"Fall Perspective" was taken by Nathan Fought (LHUP Art Major) at Highland Cemetery on October 16, 2008.

November in Pennsylvania
Despite the dourness of Robert Burns, November is an exciting part of the Pennsylvania year.  As the election draws near, the attention of the nation will once again be focused on our state as we continue to play a key role in determining the winner.  November also brings deer season, a central component of central-Pennsylvania culture.  And the slightly chillier weather should be no barrier to enjoying the beauty of the area.  The theme to this month's issue is eluding me, but from worms to water and from coal to canals, we do have a variety of excellent articles on topics relating to the environment, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities of Pennsylvania.  As always, we would be pleased to publish your work in our next issue--if you have something you'd like to submit, please email Bob Myers.

Panel Discussion: "Natural Resource Extraction in Pennsylvania: Past and Future"

From the lumber and coal industry of the nineteenth century to the recent discovery of technologies that enable the extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania's history has been shaped by its abundant natural resources.  Please join us on Wednesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Flags for a panel discussion on the ways that the extraction of natural resources affects the economy and the environment of Pennsylvania.  The panelists include a diverse group of experts, who will represent different perspectives on these issues.  Rebecca Dunlap is Project Manager for Trout Unlimited’s West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Initiative, one of four regional restoration programs in the nation.  Mary B. Wolf is an intergovernmental relations consultant to Anadarko Petroleum and the PA Economy League.  Dan Vilello is the North Central Region local government liaison for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.   Md. Khalequzzaman is a Professor of Geology at Lock Haven University.  This event is sponsored by the Environmental Focus Group.  

The True Cost of Coal
     --Todd Nesbitt (LHUP Geography Professor)

In an age of soaring energy prices and geopolitical chaos in the Middle East, Americans are once again concerned with the United State’s dependency on foreign oil.  Although the United States comprises only four percent of the world’s population, it consumes twenty-five percent of the world’s oil.  Furthermore, seventy percent of oil consumed in the Unites States is imported.  According to the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, six Middle Eastern countries comprise sixty-six percent of the world’s proven oil reserves.  As the quest for domestically produced energy becomes increasingly important, many Americans wonder if coal might be the answer to our energy crisis.

Both Republicans and Democrats have argued that the massive reserves of coal in the United States are a partial solution to our energy crisis.  Through the use of so called "clean coal technology", they assert that the United Sates can take an important step in ridding itself of dependency on foreign oil.  Never has there been a more egregious oxymoron with such devastating effects.  Clean coal technologies may in fact reduce carbon and mercury emissions from coal fired power plants (see www.americaspower.org), but clean coal technologies do nothing to prevent the wholesale obliteration the Central Appalachians, one of the most biodiverse forest ecosystems on the planet.  The Unites States currently generates fifty percent of its electricity from coal-fired power plants.  As a result, one of the greatest environmental and human rights tragedies is occurring in Central Appalachia.    

The practice of mountaintop removal is the primary method for extracting coal in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.  This method of coal extraction literally involves blowing off the tops of mountains with massive explosives, and dumping the waste into adjacent valleys and streams.  The resultant valley fill, as it is termed by the coal industry, results in a biologically barren moonscape.  The impacts of mountaintop removal are devastating.  For the last twenty years this practice has been polluting water systems, creating deadly floods, and literally burying residents alive in their homes.   According to the grassroots organization iLoveMountains.org:

• More than 7 percent of Appalachian forests have been cut down and more than 1,200 miles of streams across the region have been buried or polluted between 1985 and 2001.
• Over 1000 miles of streams have been permitted to be buried in valley fills - a greater distance than the length of the entire Ohio River.
• Mountaintop removal mining, if it continues unabated, will cause a projected loss of more than 1.4 million acres by the end of the decade—an area the size of Delaware—with a concomitant severe impact on fish, wildlife, and bird species, not to mention a devastating effect on many neighboring communities.
• 800+ square miles of mountains are estimated to be already destroyed. (This is equal to a one-quarter mile wide swath of destruction from New York to San Francisco – it is also significantly underestimated).

On a broader scale, the health impact of coal extraction and plant emissions go far beyond Central Appalachia.  A report by the Environmental Protection Agency concludes that emissions from technologically obsolete coal-fired power plants contribute to 24,000 premature deaths a year, and that nearly 22,000 of those deaths are preventable with currently available technology.  A similar report by Abt Associates concluded that fine particle pollution (a result of mixing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) from U.S. power plants attributes for 30,000 deaths per year.  Even more disconcerting is the Bush Administrations efforts roll back pollution reduction requirements established by the 1970 Clean Air Act that would dramatically increase toxic pollutants from coal fired power plants.  The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has reported that:    

NRDC obtained a leaked copy of the final rule, which essentially repeals the "new source review" provision of the Clean Air Act. That provision requires industrial facilities to install modern pollution controls when they make upgrades to plants that increase air pollution. The new final rule would allow facilities to avoid installing pollution controls when they replace equipment -- even if the upgrade increases pollution -- as long as the cost of the replacement did not exceed 20 percent of the cost of what the EPA broadly defines as a "process unit." For example, if a coal-fired power plant replaced a boiler whose cost was less than 20 percent of the replacement cost of the entire process unit -- the boiler, turbine, generator and other equipment that turns coal into electricity -- the company would not have to control the resulting pollution increases.

Coal is, without question, extremely damaging to the environment and public health.  Yet, the true cost of coal remains hidden in the marketplace.  This is because the environmental impact of coal extraction and use is not reflected in the price of coal.  One way to minimize the negative impact of coal, and ultimately facilitate a transition to more environmentally sustainable energy sources, is through what is known as the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP).  The PPP is an environmental policy principle which requires that the costs of pollution be borne by those who cause it – in this case the coal companies.  By internalizing the cost coal’s environmental impact, the cost of coal extraction will increase (as will the cost of coal to consumers).  As environmentally destructive energy sources such as coal become less profitable due to the PPP, capital investment will redirect itself to more sustainable and less environmentally damaging energy sources.  The PPP is only possible, however, if policy is enacted to regulate the coal industry in ways that reflect the true cost of environmental degradation caused by extracting and burning coal.  Sadly, the Bush administrations record on the environment reflects no such interest.  In seems that for now, and as long as the public will allow for it, profitability has been given credence over environmental sustainability.

For additional information on mountaintop removal coal mining, go to the following websites:

• Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (source of the picture above)
• Stop Mountaintop Removal
• Mountain Justice

Worms in the Kitchen
     --Lisa Cass and Mark Cohen (LHUP Computer Information Science Professor)

My husband and I have worms in our kitchen.  Technically, they are red wigglers (Eisenia foetida).  I suppose they are called that because they wiggle a lot, but we like to think of it as squirming. 

Believe it or not, these worms were actually invited into our kitchen and we happily provide them with room and board.  In exchange, the worms work for us by disposing of our kitchen scraps and unwanted paper products and providing nutrient-rich compost that does wonders for the garden.  This process of using worms to compost food scraps and other organic material is called vermicomposting.   Although this may sound like a lot of trouble for a little bit of compost, a basic worm bin with 1,000 worms (the recommended number when getting started) can actually consume up to a half-pound of food in a single day.  

A colony of compost-creating wigglers can be kept quite happy in something as simple as a plastic bin or as complex as a multi-tier worm condo--all they ask is that it has good aeration, a comfortable temperature (~55-80°F), and some moist bedding to burrow into.   Any paper product that isn’t plastic-coated makes good bedding material, including newspaper, computer paper, and even junk mail (yes, our worms actually appreciate the endless unwanted credit card solicitations we get each day). 

Red wigglers will not only burrow in their bedding, but they will eat it as well (fiber is good for them too!).  We add a little spice and variety to their lives by occasionally mixing in other organic bedding materials such as dry leaves, shredded cardboard or paper egg cartons, coconut fiber (coir), peat moss, or dryer lint (yummy).  The worms balance their diet with the food scraps we provide.  Fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, other grains, egg shells, coffee grounds, and tea bags are all foods they like--but no meat or dairy please!

Of course our worms live in style.  They begin life in a single story flat, and as they successfully fill the currently inhabited story with compost we reward them by adding a new story with freshly stocked bedding and food.  The worms naturally take residence in the new level thus leaving behind compost, which is ready for harvesting. 

The compost created by worms, often referred to as worm castings, is great for fertilizing both indoor and outdoor plants.  It can be applied directly to the soil, or mixed with water to create a ‘compost tea’ that is used to water or spray on plants.  Worm castings contain a natural supply of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate (the components also found in synthetic fertilizers), as well as other nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.  In fact, worm castings are actually sold in many garden stores as an organic alternative to chemical fertilizer (but if you buy castings, then you miss out on the fun of doing it yourself). 

In addition, if you provide a romantic setting worms will reproduce quickly.  Red wigglers lay eggs that are incubated in cocoons and, under well-maintained conditions, the worms can be expected to double in population every 3 months.  As a result, if you like to fish, you will never pay for bait again.  In fact, red wigglers can actually stay alive for several days in water, unlike nightcrawlers that die almost immediately. 

If keeping a worm bin in your kitchen conjures up images of uninvited guests on your dinner plate or in your dishwasher, don’t worry:  Worm bins can be kept in a shaded area outside during the warmer months, and will do just fine in your basement as well.   Moreover, in nature red wigglers feed almost exclusively on organic matter in the moist upper layer of soil, are communal, and avoid light; therefore they will be happy to remain in the company of their buddies in your dark moist worm bin. 

A note of caution, however – not all worms are created alike!  You should not attempt vermicomposting with earthworms collected in your backyard.  Many of these earthworms normally live in solitary burrows and some are accustomed to light, so they are likely to refuse your offer of a new home and flee the worm bin.   These worms are happier outdoors where they provide an important service in aerating the soil and re-distributing nutrient-rich humus generated by other organisms.

Like keeping an aquarium or terrarium, caring for a colony of worms can be an educationally rewarding hobby – especially for kids.  Life in a worm bin is a delicate world of bacteria, insects, worms, mold, and more.  Successfully keeping worms can help children learn about ecosystems and the symbiotic relationship between its inhabitants.

The internet is a great resource if you want to learn more about how to invite worms into your household.  Several models of worm bins can be purchased online or, if you are handy, you can find designs for constructing your own worm bin.  Red wigglers can also be purchased online, and of course there are many other helpful tips for vermicomposting.  For more information, check out the following websites:

• The Rodale Institute: Worm Bin Construction (source of the above picture)
• EPA Vermicompost Website
• Directory of Vermicompost Suppliers

Finally, before you get started we would like to leave you with just one piece of important advice: If you like to have dinner parties, you may not want to share with your guests what you do with the leftovers. 

Lock Haven History
     --Danielle Tolton (LHUP Biology Major)

On of the goals of the Environmental Focus Group is to develop an awareness of the history of central Pennsylvania.  A good place to start is the city of Lock Haven itself, which is celebrating it's 175th year anniversary.  In the eighteenth century, Iroquois and Lenni-Lenape (or Delaware) Indians lived throughout this region.  In the late 1700’s, the city became settled by European loggers and traders. During this time one of the earliest frontier forts was established along the Susquehanna River, near the Jay Street Bridge. Fort Reed, as it was known, became a frequented traveler’s stop.  In 1833 Jeremiah Church and his brother Willard saw the potential of the area for logging and trading, so they formally founded the town, naming it Lock Haven for the canal locks (a way of moving boats from level to level) and because it was an ideal resting place for travelers. By 1859, the railroad had reached Lock Haven, further boosting its population.  In 1870 Central State Normal School (pictured above) was founded by Albert N. Raub--in 1983 this college became Lock Haven University.

By the end of the nineteenth century the timber resources were being depleted, and Lock Haven turned to manufacturing. In the 1930’s, the Piper Aircraft Corporation began producing small planes, eventually becoming the leading employer of the area for the next fifty years. The company relocated to Florida in the 1980s, devastating the economy and bumping the unemployment rate up to 20%. Although the economy eventually recovered, the economic loss during that time was felt strongly by the citizens and inhabitants. The aircraft plant was purchased soon after and The Piper Aviation Museum was set up in memory of the airplane industry.

Throughout its history, a major problem for Lock Haven has been flooding from the Susquehanna River. After a major flood damaged the city in 1972, the town finally built a 6.5 mile levee.  Completed in 1994, the levee provides opportunities for exercise and appreciation of the beauty of Lock Haven.  Lock Haven currently has 9, 149 residents.  Famous people from Lock Haven include  Alison Bechdel (cartoonist), Robbie Gould  (NFL kicker for the Patriots, Ravens, & Bears), and John French Sloan (artist).

Pennsylvania Clean Water on the Ballot
     --Md. Khalequzzaman (LHUP Geology Professor); photograph by William Shetler

On Election Day, the voters of Pennsylvania will not only cast their ballots to elect the next president and other public officials, they will also decide whether to authorize the state government to spend $400 million for upgrading the infrastructures for sewage treat facilities (STF) and drinking water.  This referendum is not a part of any bailout plan, but will help upgrade many aging STF that were built several decades ago.  In many cases these upgrades will help reduce nutrient (nitrogen phosphorus) discharges that degrade the quality of water in our rivers and streams, as well as the Chesapeake Bay.  Pennsylvania is under federal and state mandate under the Clean Water Act to cut down on Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of nutrients discharges.  As many as 184 STFs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, of which our own West Branch Susquehanna watershed is a major part, are faced with legal mandates, at a cost estimated to be over $1 billion.  There are 123 STFs are located in the Susquehanna watershed in Pennsylvania.

 

The proposed allocation of $400 million, however, will not be spent to upgrade the aging SFTs only.  Although, maintenance, upgrades and replacement cost of all of these plants in Pennsylvania will cost over $20 billion.  Of the proposed allocated amount, about $70 million will be spent for other programs that include cost share to farmers to install conservation practices, to expand technical supports by county conservation districts, and to restore cuts to the Department of Agriculture in farm programs.

The major contributors to nutrient and sediment pollutions to our local rivers and the Chesapeake Bay are agricultural run-off, STFs, urban run-off, septic tanks, and air deposition. Pennsylvania contributes about 40%, 19%, and 23% of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediments, respectively to the Chesapeake Bay.  Of Pennsylvania’s contribution, agricultural run-off accounts for 48%, 59%, and 73% of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediments, respectively.  It is obvious that nutrient discharges from agricultural   run-off will have to be curtailed significantly should we target to achieve the set goal to reduce nutrient discharges to our rivers and the Bay by more than 50% by the year 2010.  Pennsylvania is far from its target. 

Results from a long-term research carried out by this author on agricultural impacts on water quality in Clinton County indicate a slight reduction in the nutrient discharge in agriculturally intensive Sugar Valley and Nittany Valley.  In addition, when compared to monitoring locations both upstream (Karthaus) and downstream (Lewisburg) Clinton County streams carry relatively low amount of sediment pollution.  However, our streams carry disproportionately high amounts of both nitrogen and phosphorus.  Data from the published sources indicate that the nitrogen discharges to the West Branch of Susquehanna river by the STF at Lock Haven is among one of the highest in central Pennsylvania.  In other words, nutrient discharges from both agriculture and sewage treatment facility in our area are relatively higher compared to other locations in Pennsylvania.  We need to find ways to cut down the nutrient pollution.

The approval of the $400 million clean water referendum will be a good starting point in term of setting up the right mindset to pay our fair share for clean water of our streams and the Chesapeake Bay. 

America Recycles Day – November 15^th
      ---William Shetler (LHUP Exploratory Studies Major)

Recycling – Why worry about it?  Why bother?  Unfortunately, apathy on this subject is all too common among many of us.  According to LHUP Facilities manager, Dave Proctor, the university has  been committed to "Going Green," for 20 years and taken many steps to make recycling easy.  Yet, despite all these measures, there is one area however that is lacking--student participation.

Many people hold the mistaken view that they won’t make a difference in the larger scheme of recycling.  But here are a few facts that are surprising:

• The average American uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees.  This amounts to about 2,000,000,000 trees per year. 
• Each ton (2000 pounds) of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution!
• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours -- or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline.

These examples show how very important it is for each and everyone to implement recycling methods, and use the ones that are presently available. 

After reaching a high of 80.2 tons of recycled material in 2002, LHUP's recycling dipped to 38.1 tons in 2006.  This year LHUP's ongoing commitment to going green has resulted in over 48 tons of material recycled to date, material which otherwise would have been put in a landfill.  In response to America Recycles Day, the university will be collecting recyclables on Saturday, November 15^th, at the Hursh-Nevel Building, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The items that can be dropped off for recycling include: cans (bi-metal & alumninum), glass, plastics, office paper (magazines, junk mail), newspaper, corrugated cardboard, batteries, electronics (computers, printers, televisions, vcrs, cell phones, stereos, dvd players), appliances, metal, and tires.  There is no better time than now to become aware of the importance of recycling to help reduce energy consumption, emissions, and the increasing loss of our finite natural resources.  For more information on recycling at LHUP or LHUP's America Recycles Day, contact Colleen Meyer (570-484-2949).  You might also want to check out the following websites:

• A Recyling Revolution
• National Recycling Coalition (try "The Conversionator")
• earth911

 Wild Pennsylvania
On Thursday, November 6th at 7 p.m. Michael Gadomski will present the 48-minute multi-media program Wild Pennsylvania at the Kelly Township Building, near Lewisburg. In over 400 images, Mr. Gadomski covers the entire state in this celebration of the natural beauty of our state. The program will be shown using a high resolution digital projector.  Mr. Gadomski is a professional photographer located in the Pocono Mountains. For 25 years he was employed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks as a park naturalist and ranger. In 2002 he left the State Parks to become a fulltime photographer. He has also produced a major coffee table book entitled Wild Pennsylvania. Come for a relaxing evening of great photography.  For additional information, including directions to the Kelly Township Building, go to the Otzinachson chapter of the Pennsylvania Sierra Club newsletter.

Hike of the Month: Bald Eagle Mountain
This hike is a strenuous climb (1000 feet in a little less than a mile), but the view at the top is well worth it.  The hike follows a powerline straight up the mountain, and the path is badly eroded and covered with rocks, so hiking boots are strongly recommended.

From campus, go east on Water Street to Jay Street (the courthouse) and turn right.  Follow Jay Street/PA-120 for 1 mile, crossing over Bald Eagle Creek into Castanea (Latin for "chestnut," presumably because of the many chestnut trees in the area).  The road becomes Jarrett Avenue; continue to the end (yellow arrow sign) and turn right.  The gravel road leading to the powerline is on the right--you can park there or along Jarrett Avenue.

The climb is steep with several false peaks.  Depending upon your speed and the number of breaks you take, it should take you about 30 minutes to get up.  Once you reach the top of the powerline, stop and enjoy the view.  To the north is Castanea and the city of Lock Haven (the university is visible to the far left).  This is an excellent vantage point to appreciate the remarkable geology of this area.  You are standing on the westernmost ridge of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province that runs from Georgia to Maine.  Stretching away to the north, you can see the rolling hills and narrow valleys of the Appalachian Plateau, a completely different mountain formation.  The Susquehanna River curves toward Renova (northwest), and Jersey Shore/Williamsport (east).  Behind you, to the south, is the second fold of Bald Eagle Mountain.  In the valley below is Harveys Run; just beyond the second fold is the Lock Haven exit of Interstate 80, which cuts south through a gap in Nittany Mountain (the next ridge of the Appalachians).  To the east Bald Eagle Mountain continues past the gap cut by Harvey's Run.  These mountains were formed 250 million years ago when Africa collided with North America (imagine pushing on a carpet--the folds are the Appalachian mountains).  As bizarre as it seems, my colleagues in geology tell me that the top of Bald Eagle Mountain is actually the base of the Nittany Anticline, a now-eroded mountain that rose an additional 10,000 feet above where you are standing.   

If you follow the trail to the right, you will shortly reach the peak (1705 feet above sea level).  There isn't much of a view from here, but you can feel good about having reached the top of one of the highest mountains in this area.  Return the way you came, stopping frequently to enjoy the different views as you come down.  Thanks to Mark Smith for telling me about this hike, to Khaleq for help with the geology, and to my wife, Elizabeth, for accompanying me on a windy Tuesday to take the pictures.

 

All previous Hikes of the Month can be found at Hemlock Hikes.