PA Environment Digest Blog

July 1, 2025

This 30th Anniversary article first appeared on the Department of Environmental Protection Linkedin page July 1, 2025—

On July 1, 1995, Pennsylvania marked a significant moment in environmental history with the creation of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as two distinct agencies.

While DCNR took the lead in managing parks and forests, DEP was entrusted with the vital responsibility of protecting Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources, an increasingly complex and critical mission.

As we at DEP celebrate our 30th anniversary, we reflect not only on the significant strides made in environmental protection, but also on the dedicated public servants and communities that have made those accomplishments possible.

A Strong Start: Building a Modern Environmental Agency

The formation of DEP in 1995 was a strategic step forward. It brought together regulatory and enforcement responsibilities under one umbrella, allowing for more coordinated responses to pollution and environmental degradation.

DEP quickly became known as a national leader in environmental permitting, brownfield redevelopment, and pollution prevention, setting a high bar for environmental performance.

More recently, DEP’s ongoing efforts to modernize continue today through initiatives like SPEED, PAyback, and the Permit Tracker—programs that help Pennsylvania move at the speed of business while ensuring environmental integrity.

Cleaning Up the Past: Brownfields and Environmental Cleanup

One of DEP’s earliest and most impactful efforts was its Land Recycling Program (Act 2), passed in 1995—the first of its kind in the nation.

This innovative approach to cleaning up and reusing contaminated industrial sites, known as brownfields, has resulted in the revitalization of thousands of properties across Pennsylvania.

As we mark the program’s 30th year, 8,652 sites have completed the cleanup process, leading to the assessment and remediation of over 74,000 acres of land.

DEP’s Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields continues to set the standard for responsible redevelopment, transforming blighted spaces into thriving new uses that support local economies.

Reclaiming the Past, Restoring the Future: Abandoned Mine Reclamation

The Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) is a powerful example of turning Pennsylvania’s industrial past into a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant future.

Charged with addressing the long-term environmental and public safety hazards left from decades of unregulated coal mining, BAMR has transformed thousands of sites into livable lands and restored waterways.

Since its inception, BAMR has reclaimed more than 151,000 acres of abandoned mine lands, sealed countless mine openings, extinguished underground fires, and restored miles of polluted streams once impacted by acid mine drainage.

These efforts have not only reduced immediate risks to nearby communities – like collapsing ground or unstable highwalls – but also restored valuable ecosystems and improved water quality across some of the state’s most affected regions.

Also since the inception of BAMR in the early 80’s, through the federal law of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977, the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program (previously known as the AML Pilot Program) that began in 2016 and the recent Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) enacted on November 15, 2021,

BAMR has cumulatively secured over $2.4 billion to date for reclamation efforts. This investment has enabled award-winning projects like the Penn Hills site transformation and the Morgan Run natural area restoration – both of which turned once-hazardous landscapes into community assets.

As Pennsylvania continues to face legacy impacts from its coal mining history, BAMR’s work remains essential – not just to mitigate the past, but to build healthier, more resilient communities for the next generation.

Safe Water for All: Ensuring Clean Water and Managing Wetlands

Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams serve millions of residents and countless ecosystems. DEP’s Clean Water Program has addressed this responsibility with urgency and innovation.

A notable example is the Dunkard Creek Mussel Restoration.

After a 2009 aquatic life kill caused by oil and gas-related discharges, DEP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used $300,000 in mitigation funds to propagate over 29,000 mussels representing nine species—including one federally endangered and two state-endangered species.

These mussels were reintroduced across western PA, helping restore ecological balance.

DEP’s Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands has also played a vital role in preserving and restoring aquatic resources.

Over the last decade alone, the Wetlands Program has helped restore 180 acres of wetlands and 40 miles of streams, generating an estimated $263 million credit market value.

In the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, more than 200 acres of floodplain wetlands and 27 miles of streams have been restored.

These restorations would not be possible without the application of emerging science, the development of innovative watershed-scale permitting, and strategic partnerships.

Flood protection has also been a cornerstone of DEP’s work.

Since 1995, approximately 50 flood protection projects—totaling over $100 million—have been completed, shielding communities from destructive flood events.

Complementary efforts like the Stream Improvement Program and Emergency Watershed Protection Program have delivered over 1,200 projects at a combined cost of $43 million.

Meanwhile, the Division of Dam Safety—originally established in 1913 was the first of its kind in the nation and remains a national leader today.

Over the past 30 years, DEP has reviewed more than 1,700 dam rehabilitation projects and removed over 560 dams.

These efforts have reduced the number of unsafe dams from 210 to just 66, with no loss-of-life dam failures since modern dam safety regulations were passed in 1978.

DEP’s legacy of water protection continues to grow through large-scale infrastructure projects like the Allegheny County Sanitation Authority (ALCOSAN) project, a generational investment to reduce sewage overflows into Pittsburgh’s rivers.

Through collaboration with EPA, ACHD, and ALCOSAN, DEP approved a three-phase, adaptive management plan that incorporates green infrastructure, expanded treatment capacity, and three new deep tunnel construction projects under the city and its rivers.

A key milestone in this was the approval of Act 537 planning for ALCOSAN’s Woods Run Treatment Plant expansion in 2018, a critical step to ensure the region’s long-term wastewater needs are met in an environmentally responsible way.

DEP has since issued multiple permits to expand treatment capacity and to advance construction of the Ohio River tunnel expansion.

The ALCOSAN project is just one example of DEP’s ongoing efforts to modernize wastewater treatment across Pennsylvania.

Through permit reviews, system upgrades, and local partnerships – DEP works with communities statewide to reduce pollution, upgrade aging infrastructure, and protect waterways that are vital to public health and the environment.

Tackling Trash and Toxic Legacy: Leading in Waste Management

DEP’s Bureau of Waste Management has guided the state through a remarkable transformation in how waste is handled and recycled.

Since DEP’s inception, Pennsylvania has recycled over 146 million tons of material—preventing 196 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

That’s the equivalent of removing 43.8 million cars from the road for a year or preserving the carbon-storing capacity of 234 million acres of forest.

Beyond recycling, the bureau has addressed legacy threats like tire piles, abandoned landfills, and leaking underground storage tanks, providing funding and oversight for cleanup projects that improve environmental health and public safety.

Protecting the Air We Breathe

Air quality is essential to health and quality of life. DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality has overseen one of the most dramatic improvements in air standards over the past three decades.

Since 1995, Pennsylvania has achieved a:

— 52% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions

— 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides

— 69% reduction in particulate matter

— 97% reduction in sulfur dioxide

— 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds

Acid rain, once a defining threat to the state’s forests and waterways, has been virtually eliminated.

These reductions stem from rigorous monitoring, permitting, and enforcement—backed by a real-time air monitoring network that informs both the public and policymaking.

Radiation Protection: Keeping Pennsylvanians Safe

Few states have a radiological landscape as complex as Pennsylvania. In 2008, DEP took a major step forward by entering into an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to assume regulatory control of radioactive materials.

This milestone enhanced DEP’s authority to oversee materials used in hospitals, power plants, and industry—strengthening emergency preparedness and ensuring public safety.

DEP’s Bureau of Radiation Protection also leads public education efforts, including radon awareness and mitigation, earning national recognition for its comprehensive safety programs.

Responding to Environmental Emergencies

Over the past 30 years, DEP has responded to thousands of environmental emergencies—from chemical spills and train derailments to abandoned oil wells, mine collapses, and extreme weather events.

These responses are carried out by DEP’s dedicated emergency staff in coordination with local, state, and federal partners.

DEP’s work at the Somerset County crash site of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, stands as a profound example of its emergency response capabilities. [Read more here]

From setting up hazardous materials protections to monitoring water quality and providing geological expertise, DEP staff played a vital role in ensuring environmental safety at a national tragedy site.

Less than a year later, DEP returned to Somerset County to support the Quecreek Mine Rescue, where nine trapped miners were miraculously brought to safety. [Read more here]

In both cases, DEP’s swift coordination, technical knowledge, and commitment to protecting people and the environment were on full display during moments of extraordinary crisis.

The increasing frequency and severity of climate-driven events have prompted DEP to expand its resilience planning and rapid response capabilities, ensuring that the agency can act swiftly to protect communities and natural resources.

Improving Public Engagement and Transparency

DEP has significantly expanded access to environmental information through digital tools like eFACTS and its public participation offerings.

Virtual town halls, advisory committees, and open comment periods empower Pennsylvanians to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their health and environment.

A stronger focus on environmental justice has also emerged, with DEP making strides to include historically underserved communities in its planning and permitting processes through targeted outreach and more inclusive engagement strategies.

A Workforce of Dedication

At the heart of our progress is a dedicated workforce of scientists, engineers, permit reviewers, communicators, analysts, inspectors, and emergency responders.

Many have spent decades in service, mentoring new generations of environmental professionals and fostering a culture of integrity, knowledge-sharing, and public trust.

Looking Ahead: New Challenges, Stronger Commitments

While much has been accomplished over the past three decades, the challenges of the future require continued innovation.

Climate change, PFAS contamination, emerging industries, and aging infrastructure are all pressing concerns.

DEP is addressing these through science-based solutions, enhanced digital tools, and collaborative partnerships.

Projects like ALCOSAN’s multibillion-dollar effort to reduce sewage overflows into Pittsburgh’s rivers show the scale of DEP’s future-facing efforts.

DEP has worked with EPA, DOJ, ACHD, and ALCOSAN to approve a three-phase adaptive management plan involving green infrastructure, major capacity improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, and three new deep tunneling projects.

These upgrades aim to dramatically improve water quality in the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers by 2036.

Thank You to Our Partners and the Public

As we celebrate 30 years, DEP thanks our fellow Commonwealth agencies, local governments, businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions, and residents who have joined in our work.

Together, we’ve built cleaner communities, stronger protections, and a better future for all Pennsylvanians.

Here’s to the next 30 years of protecting Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water!

Click Here for a copy of the Anniversary article [PDF available].

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website. Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Resource Links – A Strong Start:

— 1995-2002 Feature:: Looking Back To Improve Pennsylvania’s Environment Going Forward [PaEN]

— 1995-2002 – DEP Secretary James M. Seif: The Assignment Was Clear – Take The Kick Me! Sign Off DER [PaEN]

— 1995-2002 – Environmental Accomplishments Of The Ridge & Schweiker Administrations

— 1995-2002: Awards And Recognition For Environmental Programs During The Ridge & Schweiker Administrations [PaEN]

— 1995-2002: Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Program – $333 Million Public/Private

— 1995-2002: Reclaim PA- Abandoned Mine Reclamation – 33,300 Acres Reclaimed

[Posted: July 1, 2025] PA Environment Digest

Join the Interfaith Partners For The Chesapeake Bay on September 4 for a webinar on rewilding your yard as an act of faith and stewardship starting at 7:00 p.m.

Explore how planting pollinator gardens can restore Creation—supporting bees and butterflies while also helping to cleanse and protect the Chesapeake Bay’s sacred waters.

The guest speaker is Naomi Edelson who will be sharing an exciting new opportunity—Growing Joy with Native Plants—to create native plant pollinator gardens on at your houses of worship while engaging your members on planting native plants at home!

Naomi is the Senior Director, Wildlife Partnerships at the National Wildlife Federation.

She has partnered with IPC to expand outreach and restorative programs through the Sacred Grounds Program.

Naomi is an inspirational leader in the wildlife conservation community who is gifted at building movements of people inspired to action.

She is respected for convening coalitions and motivating teams for success, as well as being an innovator in the field, creating new practical tools and expert guidance.

She leads National Wildlife Federation’s partnerships with state wildlife agencies and other state based partners to secure greater funding to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered, including legislative, communications, grassroots and coalition building elements of the campaign

Discover how your congregation can put faith into action by transforming outdoor spaces into havens of healing for both the land and water.

Participating congregations will receive the following:

— Inspirational educational programs and materials

— Free native plants for congregation members to plant at home

— Support in engaging your congregation members and securing funding for planting your congregation’s garden.

Click Here to register and for more information.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake website. Follow on Facebook and on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of the page).

Upcoming Event

— Penn State Master Watershed Stewards Host July 10 Webinar Ahead Of Statewide Native Tree And Shrub Sale [PaEN] [Posted: July 1, 2025] PA Environment Digest

On July 1, PA Interfaith Power & Light is launching a new Faith and Fossil Fuels Initiative to prepare a report and story map documenting how to build a faithful ethic of stewardship for the earth in response to the impacts of polluting industry in Pennsylvania.

PA IPL is also inviting congregations and citizens to be part of this project.

PA IPL knows institutional faith communities alongside people of faith and conscience are a critical, unique, and underutilized voice in fighting fossil fuels in Pennsylvania.

We are writing a report on Faith & Fossil Fuels to bring this perspective into the larger conversation.

Impacts Of Fossil Fuels

We are blessed to live in an area of beautiful and rich natural resources. Yet our rivers, streams, forests, and mountains are not immune to the effects of pollution and greed.

It is undeniable that fossil fuels, both their extraction and use, interact with the land. Fossil fuels are the largest driver of the climate crisis.

As extreme heat impacts our health and agriculture, sea levels are rising, and storms are worsening, the effects of climate change are felt both locally and globally.

We mobilize to respond to this crisis as a moral issue.

Care For The Earth In Theology

No matter what language your theology uses to teach care for the earth, it is a common throughline across many religions.

The Jewish tradition of Tikkun-Olam calls Jews to repair the world through social and environmental justice.

Christian theology teaches Christians that it is a sacred responsibility to properly steward the earth and care for God’s creation.

Islam teaches Muslims that Allah (SWT) appointed humanity as Khalifah, meaning stewards, to care for sacred and divine creation.

These and many additional teachings help inform a moral environmental ethic.

Mobilizing The Faithful

With our Faith and Fossil Fuels program, we are exploring how we can build a faithful ethic of stewardship for the earth in response to the impacts of polluting industry in Pennsylvania.

We believe mobilizing faith-based communities is a strategic and powerful approach for a variety of reasons!

Faith communities are already organized, practice volunteerism, steward resources, and teach values aligned with environmental justice.

Faith-based action is a sustainable way to build strong, intergenerational movements and create opportunities for community resilience.

Pennsylvania History

Pennsylvania has a rich and complex history with the fossil fuel industry, which has been impacting our beautiful landscape and its peoples for decades.

For example, the Centralia Mine Fire started in 1962 and burns to this day. Residents were displaced and nearby communities are still impacted by dangerous gases being released in the atmosphere.

Pollution has impacted your air quality, making it hard to breathe and causing asthma in many places, like in Philadelphia after the oil refinery explosion in 2019 and in Pittsburgh near the Clairton Coke Works US Steel plant after a fire and ongoing concerns of pollution.

Community health has been impacted by the oil refinery in Chester City.

Water quality has also been directly impacted by fossil fuels, such as abandoned mine drainage across the state.

Storytelling Is Our Tool

Everyone has a story to tell, and those stories are powerful for activating change.

PA IPL is conducting research with the goal to understand the landscape and create a powerful blueprint for just action.

Storytelling is our tool for accomplishing that.

Every Pennsylvanian has been impacted by the fossil fuel industry in some way, and we believe that sharing these stories is a powerful tool for just action.

We want to know what concerns you face in your community.

PA IPL is developing a targeted and strategic multifaith campaign, and we want you to be a part of it!

When we’re done, we’ll present a report and story map which communities in Pennsylvania can use as a blueprint to inspire their own action.

This program seeks to build on our legacy of advocating for clean and just energy transition.

You can see our 2016 Resolution on Fossil Fuel Infrastructure here.

Addressing the impacts of polluting industry also connects to our commitment to environmental justice because not every Pennsylvanian experiences the impacts of fossil fuel pollution equally.

How You Can Get Involved

Here are several ways you can be involved–

— Fill out our survey about your lived experience with pollution in the state of Pennsylvania. Whether you live with asthma, live near a gas well, or have experienced pollution or climate changes in the landscapes you love, we want to hear from you.

— Complete a survey as a representative of your congregation or community to help us understand actions you’ve considered taking or have taken to address the impacts of polluting industry. This includes everything from organizing an advocacy action to installing clean energy at your house of worship!

— Hosting a fossil fuel town hall with your congregation or community. Town halls are an opportunity to be in dialogue with members of your community or group about impacts and stories.

If you have referrals, represent an organization that is interested in collaborating with us, or have general questions about this program, please reach out to info@paipl.org.

This project has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Ohio River Valley Participatory Fund.

Visit the PA Interfaith Power & Light’s Faith and Fossil Fuels Initiative webpage to learn more.

Related Articles This Week – Fossil Fuels:

— Environmental Hearing Board Denies Request To End Appeal Of Catalyst Energy, Inc. Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permit In McKean County [PaEN]

— Warren Times Editorial: Pennsylvania Needs A New Plan For Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Wells; Increasing Bond Amounts Only Part Of Solution [PaEN]

— Environmental Integrity Project: DEP Made Changes To Permit For MarkWest Harmon Creek Natural Gas Processing Plant In Washington County To Reduce Air Emissions, Improve Accountability [PaEN]

— Environmental Health Project To Launch Compounds Of Concern Online Tool During July 16 Webinar [PaEN]

— PUC Seeks $395,000 Penalty Against UGI Utilities For 2022 Natural Gas House Explosion In Suburban Harrisburg; $50,000 Penalty Against Contractor [PaEN]

— Mountain Watershed Association Files EHB Appeal Of DEP’s Approval Of The 1,452 Acre Expansion of the Rustic Ridge #1 Coal Mine In Fayette, Westmoreland Counties [PaEN]

— Guest Essay: Remembering Ryerson Station State Park’s Duke Lake, Lost To Damage Caused By Underground Coal Mining In Greene County 20 Years Ago – By Sarah Sweeney, Center for Coalfield Justice [PaEN]

NewsClips:
— PennLive: PUC Files Complaints Against UGI, Plumber For 2022 Dauphin County House Explosion

— KYW: Deadly Explosion In Philadelphia’s Nicetown Neighborhood Could Be Natural Gas-Fueled, Source Says