Do Not Miss the 2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference

June 2nd, 2010

Date:

by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator

The 2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference will begin in a few short days!  Join us at the Radisson in Greentree,

Pittsburgh June 6 – 10, with a post conference site tour on June 10.   Don’t miss this unique event by following these steps! 

  1. Register for the Conference.  Daily rate is $125 or the full rate (3 days) for students, non-profits, and Conservation District representatives is offered at a discounted rate of $135.   Program and registration information can be found at www.PghMiningReclamationConf.com.   FAX or email your completed registration form before 12:00pm, Thursday June 3 to guarantee your meals will be available.  Do not mail your registration form as stated on the website due to the short timeframe.

 

  1. Apply for a scholarship.  Scholarships (for up to an additional 50% off the already discounted rate) will be made on a reimbursement basis to Pennsylvania non-profit representatives and Conservation District employees.  Scholarship applications are available at www.treatminewater.com/scholarship10.htm.  Remember, you must register for the conference separately, pay and attend to be eligible.

Here are some of the things you can look forward to at this year’s conference. 

  • Exhibits

  • Opportunities to speak with consultants, scholars, and industry

  • Wide range of presentation topics, many prepared for the non-profit and Conservation District audience

  • Three Rivers Boat Cruise in the evening of Tuesday, June 8. on the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Empress.  Live Music.  Commander’s Buffet. Presentation of the PA AMR Conference’s coveted Mayfly Award.  The cost is $60 and is separate from the conference registration.  Scholarships are applicable to the cruise.   Free scheduled shuttles between the Radisson and the Gateway Clipper provided.  You may attend the cruise without attending the conference.

  • Pre- and post- conference tours and workshops

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ARIPPA AML/AMD Reclamation $20,000 Award

May 19th, 2010

Date:
by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator

To commemorate their 20th Anniversary, the Anthracite Region Independent Power Producer’s Association (ARIPPA) is offering a competitive award to watershed organizations working on Abandoned Mine Land (AML) and/or Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) remediation projects.  Grants ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 will be awarded to at least one eligible environmental organization or Conservation District in the Bituminous Region and one eligible environmental organization or Conservation District in the Anthracite Region in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania actively working on AML/AMD issues. Grant proposals should be for on-the-ground AML/AMD construction projects with a completion date between August 2009 and August 2011. 

Unsightly waste coal piles and the problems associated with them are gradually disappearing, due in part to ARIPPA member activities.  ARIPPA facilities remove and utilize waste coal (refuse) from both past and current mining activities, thereby abating acid mine drainage from waste coal piles.  ARIPPA reports that 145 million tons of waste coal has been processed and burned for energy by their member plants from 1998 to 2008.  Further, the technology used to convert waste coal to electricity, known as Circulating Fluidized Beds (CFB), produce alkaline-rich ash by-products.  There are many beneficial uses for CFB ash including; filling mine pits, as a replacement for lime, for acid mine drainage remediation, as a soil amendment at mining sites, and/or as a concrete additive for roadways. 

Applying organizations must support the mission of ARIPPA, including the removal and conversion of waste coal into alternative energy and the beneficial use of CFB ash for AML/AMD reclamation.  The unique nature of ARIPPA’s work combined with the desire to coordinate efforts with environmentally oriented groups and governmental agencies symbolize a commitment to improving the landscape and environment. 

You can obtain the official Request for Proposals and supporting documents at our website: www.wpcamr.org

You can learn more about ARIPPA at: www.arippa.org

More information about the beneficial use of CFB ash can be found at:

http://www.amrclearinghouse.org/Sub/landreclamation/ 

http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/c2p2/index.htm

Posted in Funding Opportunity, General, Industry, AMD Treatment, Helpful Tools | 1 Comment »

2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference Guide for Insiders

May 5th, 2010

by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator

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The 12th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Conference has joined forces with the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR) and the 4th Annual Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) Mined Land Reforestation Conference.  The 2010 Joint Mining Reclamation Conference, to be held June 5 – 10, with a post conference site tour on June 11, at the Radisson in Greentree, PA , will interest participants on national, regional, and local levels and we encourage everyone in Pennsylvania’s AMR community to attend this very unique event.  In case you are wondering how your watershed and reclamation efforts fit into this large-scale conference, we thought it might be helpful show you some of the highlights and give you some tips to reduce the cost of your trip.  Here is how to make the most of your 2010 Conference experience.

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Have Fun While Networking.  This year, we are offering networking opportunities like never before.  On the evening of Tuesday, June 8 the Three Rivers Boat Cruise will depart from Station Square, Pittsburgh, upon which the PA AMR Conference’s coveted Mayfly Award will be presented.  For a mere $60, enjoy the live music of Mike Gallagher and Bob Bannerjee, two well-known Pittsburgh talents; soak up Pittsburgh trivia and sites with interactive and informative narration; help yourself to a generous Commander’s Buffet; or simply gaze at the stars and unique skyline of Pittsburgh all aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Empress.  Free scheduled shuttles between the Radisson and the Gateway Clipper will be provided.  There is plenty of room for everyone, so come a-board to find out who will be the next winner of the Mayfly Award.

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Build a Bridge between Reclamation, Science, and the Community is more than just the theme of this year’s conference.  It is a way of life for those of us reclaiming land and water affected by unregulated mining activities of the past.  Western Pennsylvania’s own Melissa Reckner will serve as one of the Plenary Speakers on the opening day of the conference.  As the Executive Director of the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team, Reckner will address the key successes of the watershed movement in Pennsylvania and the importance of partnerships with science and industry in the progression of the movement.  On an individual level, you can interact with industry, other watershed groups, and environmental professionals throughout the conference to build lasting partnerships.

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Learn Something New.  With such a wide variety of topics offered this year you may find it difficult to decide which presentations and discussions are right for you.  Those who typically attend the PA AMR Conference will most likely be interested in the Science, Community, and Reclamation (SCR) Track. The vast array of informative topics that will be covered in this track include building watershed group capacity, returning trout and mussels to AMD impacted streams, constructing successful AMD treatment systems, remembering our regions coal history, and lots more.  Don’t be afraid, however, to sit in on a presentation from one of the other tracks, including a panel discussion on AMD treatment options and getting the most out of your AMD treatment system.  The full schedule will be posted at www.PghMiningReclamationConf.org by the end of the week.  Check back daily.

 

Reduce the Cost of Your Trip.  We have several suggestions to help make your attendance more affordable. 

  • Register for the Full Conference and Register Early.  How can spending money also save you money you ask?  Well, each day of the conference costs $100 but the full conference rate is only $270 before May 10 (a savings of $130).  Students and non-profits get a reduced rate of $135 (a savings of $265, that is 66% off regular registration).  After May 10 the daily rate will be $125 and full registration will be $325.  There is no deadline for the reduced non-profit rate.

  • Book your room early.  This is one of the most expensive areas in the Pittsburgh area.  Fortunately, the Radisson Conference Center is offering a special room rate until May 22.  See details below.

  • Many meals are included in the registration fee.  Full registration includes the Sunday evening reception; breakfast, lunch, poster session with beverages, and the ASMR awards banquet on Monday; breakfast and lunch on Tuesday; and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.

  • Find a Roommate.  Maybe you have a friend that is attending that might enjoy saving some money.  Or maybe you would like to make a new friend.  WPCAMR staff might be able to hook you up with registrants who would be willing to share a room.

  • Carpool.  Chances are someone from your area or along your route is attending.  WPCAMR staff can hook you up with other registrants who are willing to carpool.  What a great way to do more networking!

  • Apply for a Scholarship.  If after you have made all of the above considerations and you find that you still need financial help to attend, scholarships will be made on a reimbursement basis to Pennsylvania non-profit representatives and Conservation District employees.  The amount of reimbursement will be based on need and amount of requests received.  A scholarship application will be available in a few days at www.treatminewater.com/scholarship10.htm.

Now that we have your interest, here’s what you need to do so you won’t miss out:

  • Go to or conference website www.PghMiningReclamationConf.com to register, get the most up-to-date schedules, and other details to plan your trip.

  • Financial assistance to attend the conference is available to those in need.  Please be aware that financial assistance will only be granted as a reimbursement to Pennsylvania non-profit and Conservation District representatives.  You must first pay for the conference and then ask for reimbursement. 

  • You don’t have to attend the Conference to go on the Boat Cruise and you may pay separately the day of the event.

  • Special conference room rate of $108.00 per night plus tax ($15.12) will be offered until May 22. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 1-800-395-7046.  Be sure to mention the Joint Mining Reclamation Conference to secure the Conference rate.

News of Note
5th West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium will be held at the Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA on Thursday & Friday May 6 & 7, 2010*.  For more information about this symposium, visit:  http://www.wbsrc.com/symposium.html 

 

WPCAMR Quarterly Meeting*, Friday, May 14, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:30pm at the DEP Ebensburg Office.  Meeting materials and directions available online at http://wpcamr.org

 

2010 Joint Conference* of the annual Pennsylvania AMR Conference, the American Society for Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), the US Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) will take place from June 5-11, 2010 at the Radisson Green Tree in Pittsburgh. This joint conference will include pre and post conference tours, workshops, and much more. For more information go to: http://www.pghminingreclamationconf.com

 

PA DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will be hosting the 2010 National Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Program (NAAMLP) meeting in Scranton, September 19-22, 2010. For more information about the NAAMLP Conference, go to: http://NAAMLP2010.com

 

Meet WPCAMR staff at events marked with an asterisk *

Posted in General, AMD Treatment, Helpful Tools, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

What is Next for Water Quality in Pennsylvania?

April 12th, 2010

by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, watershed associations and their allies will meet to discuss Pennsylvania’s water quality future at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in State College, PA. “What’s Next for Water Quality in Pennsylvania?” is a Summit sponsored by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the Robert Morris University Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management. The event will provide an opportunity for watershed community members to share knowledge and experiences. The watershed community encompasses not only watershed organizations, but also Trout Unlimited Chapters, sportsman’s groups, conservation district representatives, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and consulting firms. 

Gwen Johnson, of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and organizer of the Summit, shares, “We hope this event will provide some insight into the common issues community watershed organizations are facing. Some sessions are devoted to organizational development while others address the variety of resources available to watershed groups. Attendees are sure to find answers to the specific questions their organization is facing.” The Summit will begin at 8:20am on Saturday, May 1 with the first Keynote Address by David Hess, former Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection. Two tracks of eight sessions each will be offered twice throughout the morning.

The Organizational Track will cover topics relating to board development, community engagement, and financial diversity opportunities. The Technical Track will offer information on Datashed, volunteer monitoring, and Marcellus Shale drilling issues. After lunch, the second Keynote Address will be presented by George Hawkins of the Washington DC Waters and Sewer Authority. The afternoon will conclude with group work sessions to prioritize expectations for the incoming Governor of Pennsylvania and meet the newest allies in the efforts to renew Growing Greener.

For those interested in abandoned mine issues, WPCAMR and Stream Restoration, Inc. staff will be participating in panel discussions on Datashed, an interactive internet tool designed to store and organize water quality data and treatment system information; the current treatment system Snapshot; and other successful volunteer monitoring programs. “The planning committee did a wonderful job in selecting panelists who work closely with watershed groups. These folks have a tremendous amount of expertise and look forward to sharing that knowledge with their audience,” says Gwen Johnson.

Plan your attendance now! A net-working reception and cash bar are offered for those who can come on Friday evening. Registration, including a free display space, costs $25 before April 15th and $35 afterward. Vendors may attend and set up a display for $250. Scholarships will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis to those who need help defraying the cost to attend, so register early.

Limited lodging is available at the Ramada Inn Conference Center at the special rate of $82 per night. Although the initial deadline has passed, they will still accept reservations for a limited time. To register or find out more about the scholarship program, call the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at 412-397-6000 or visit www.rmu.edu/bcnmregistration.

Posted in General, Water Monitoring, Stream Ecology, Helpful Tools, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

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