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Warmer Weather Means More Ticks and Mosquitoes
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| | By Patrick McDonnell, DEP Secretary
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This summer has been hot, muggy, and especially buggy. Earlier this month I joined colleagues from the Department of Health and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help educate people about ticks, tick prevention, and Lyme Disease. This itchy issue is one that is becoming more and more important, especially as Pennsylvania experiences warmer winters that are not reducing the tick population as much.
Ticks carrying Lyme Disease are present in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and our population studies are showing that the number of ticks infected with Lyme Disease is growing. As our climate warms, we can expect this trend to continue, so it is important for Pennsylvanians to protect themselves.
Warm, wet summers, like the one we’re having now, also means more mosquitoes, which can potentially carry another disease – West Nile Virus. DEP’s Vector Management program has been surveying mosquitoes all summer. DEP’s West Nile Virus website has all of the latest information on the state of mosquitoes and WNV in the state, including how to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds around your home.
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed – even just the cap of a water bottle is enough for thousands of mosquito eggs. Which is why littering and illegal dumping can be more than just an eyesore; it can lead to hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes!
Ticks and mosquitoes aren’t the only bugs DEP is looking out for – you may have seen low-flying helicopters over nearby streams and rivers, pouring out what looks like it might be chocolate milk. That is actually DEP’s Black Fly program at work, controlling the populations of black flies – also known as gnats. These little pests thankfully aren’t disease vectors, but they can be extremely annoying, especially in swarms.
The DEP Black Fly program has expanded this year – and that is a good thing. While the bugs themselves are annoying, the conditions they need to breed and multiply depend on clean water. So even though there might be more black flies, it’s a sign that the work we’re doing across Pennsylvania to improve our waters is working!
- DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell
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DEP Celebrates 1,000 Electric Vehicle Chargers Installed Statewide with ‘Driving PA Forward’ Funding
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell recently announced that 1,000 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers have been installed statewide with funding from the DEP Driving PA Forward program. McDonnell celebrated the milestone at Neighbors & Smith retail center in Camp Hill, Cumberland County, which installed four chargers with Driving PA Forward funding.
“Each one of these chargers adds another option for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle drivers, and more electric vehicles on the road means less tailpipe pollution and healthier air quality in our communities,” said McDonnell. “It also helps Pennsylvania address the pressing challenge of climate change.”
While charging his car in the parking lot, Secretary McDonnell visited One Good Woman coffee/tea shop to talk with Neighbors & Smith property manager David Hutton and shop owner Michele Koch about the benefits of supporting customers’ and employees’ electric vehicle use.
"Smith Land & Improvement Corporation is proud to offer two electric vehicle charging stations at its newest development in Camp Hill—Neighbors & Smith,” Hutton said. “These charging stations not only offer convenience to our tenants, shoppers, and community, but they show Smith Land’s commitment to the evolving auto industry and the environment.”
Driving PA Forward-funded chargers have been installed by companies, organizations, and condo/apartment complex owners at more than 300 locations in 39 counties in a variety of communities across the state, including in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Braddock, Harrisburg, Oil City, Pottsville, Tunkhannock, and many other communities.
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DEP 2021 Climate Impacts Report Projects Pennsylvania Will Be 5.9° F Warmer by Midcentury, Targets Areas to Reduce Risk
Pennsylvanians will be faced with worsened air quality, increased damage from flooding, agricultural losses, and expansion of vector-borne diseases like Lyme Disease due to climate change.
Pennsylvania Climate Impacts Assessment 2021 uses federal, state, and local data to show the trend of rising temperatures and increasing rainfall and project how it will continue into midcentury (2041-2070) and beyond, if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t reduced. The extent of impacts, from limited to catastrophic, is projected for numerous aspects of life in Pennsylvania.
Rising average temperature and increased occurrences of heatwaves and heavy rainfall events are the three highest-risk climate changes. Compared to a 1971-2000 baseline, the statewide average annual temperature is projected to be 5.9° F hotter by midcentury.
More heat waves will occur, with the average number of days over 90° F each year increasing to 37 days and, in some areas, 60 days by midcentury, compared with 5 days annually in 1971-2000. It’s projected that at least 10 days per year will be hotter than 95° F by midcentury, compared with an average of one day annually in 1971-2000.
An 8 percent increase in precipitation by midcentury is projected, primarily in the form of more frequent heavy and extreme rainfall events. Average annual precipitation was 44 inches in 1971-2000. This is projected to increase to 47 inches by mid-century, with winter and spring seasons becoming warmer and wetter. While overall it may rain less frequently, it’ll rain more often than snow and it’ll rain more intensely causing localized flooding events, landslides, and impacts to infrastructure.
Inland flooding and coastal sea level rise will result. Water levels on the 56-mile coastline along the Delaware estuary are expected to rise 2.1 feet by mid-century. In Lake Erie, water levels will fluctuate, from low levels to record high levels, such as seen in 2019.
"Data show that Pennsylvania’s average temperature has been rising, heavy rainfall events are increasing, and these climate changes will continue with considerable impact on our lives and economy by midcentury,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Reducing greenhouse gas pollution must be done quickly to stave off the most dire impacts of climate change. The Wolf administration is leading by example to reduce these harmful emissions. By specifying areas where climate change impacts are projected to be greatest, the Climate Impacts Assessment enables government, business, and community leaders to prioritize adaptation actions.”
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Learn more about Pennsylvania Climate Impacts Assessment 2021 in this press conference held on May 5 by DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Harrisburg Environmental Justice community leader Rafiyqa Muhammad.
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Environmental Quality Board Adopts Final CO2 Budget Trading Program Rulemaking
Members of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Quality Board (EQB) voted to adopt the final-form rulemaking of the multistate CO2 budget trading program, also known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional CO2 Budget Trading Program. The vote was 15 to 4.
"This is a milestone in helping Pennsylvanians get one step closer to combating the ills of climate change," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI would establish a program to limit CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric power plants located in Pennsylvania. Emissions of CO2 is a greenhouse gas and is a major contributor to climate change, which is detrimental to public health and welfare in Pennsylvania. Following this EQB meeting, the next step in the regulatory process is review by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
Pennsylvania has the fifth leading CO2 emitting electricity generation sector in the United States, and RGGI is a significant component in achieving Pennsylvania’s goals to reduce net GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050.
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Wolf Administration: Prevalence of Ticks in Pennsylvania is High, Take Steps to Prevent Tick Bites and Tick-borne Diseases
Pennsylvania Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently met at Boyd Big Tree Preserve to discuss the high prevalence of ticks in Pennsylvania, highlight the numerous diseases that ticks can carry and remind residents of ways they can protect against tick bites.
"Ticks are most active during warmer months, which is why we typically see more instances of tick bites and cases of tick-borne diseases this time of year,” Dr. Johnson said. “This year in particular, we are seeing increases in the number of Lyme disease reports across the state, and clinicians are reporting that they are seeing more cases of other tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis. As Pennsylvanians continue to spend more time outdoors, we are urging everyone to take steps to prevent tick bites, such as wearing insect repellent, putting permethrin on their shoes, gear and clothing, and doing frequent tick checks.”
DEP collected two times more Blacklegged tick nymphs compared to last year. This is especially concerning considering the extremely small, poppy seed-like size of the nymphs.
"The increase in nymphs really drives home the message that we all need to adhere to the necessary precautions to stay safe from ticks,” said McDonnell.
The Wolf Administration reminds Pennsylvania residents and visitors of simple ways to reduce their chances of being bitten by ticks:
- Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing
- Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent
- Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children, and pets for ticks
- Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be crawling on skin
- If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks
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DEP Awards More Than $3.4 Million to Cleaner Fuel Transportation Projects Statewide to Improve Air Quality, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
DEP recently awarded more than $3.4 million in 2020 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIGs) to 20 cleaner fuel transportation projects statewide that will help improve air quality and public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change.
"These grants help cities, counties, school districts, colleges, as well as delivery, trash hauling, and other companies across Pennsylvania that want to be proactive in reducing air pollution from transportation,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Their projects will help Pennsylvanians breathe cleaner air at school, in their communities, and at their workplaces.”
The AFIG 2021 program is now accepting applications. The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 27, 2021 and December 17, 2021.
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DEP Report Finds Clean Energy Workforce Development Will Boost Job Creation, Economy
A new report recently released by DEP shows tremendous potential for clean energy workforce development opportunities that can bolster Pennsylvania’s economy.
The clean energy industry has been a growing source of jobs in Pennsylvania for several years prior, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created a backlog of clean energy projects, resulting in a need for more skilled workers to fulfill project demands. The 2021 Pennsylvania Clean Energy Industry Workforce Development Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis Report identifies how to best support continued job growth in the state’s clean energy technology sectors.
“As Pennsylvania focuses on economic recovery and growth, the clean energy sector will undoubtedly help move Pennsylvania forward because this area is rife with opportunities for employees and employers alike,’’ said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “This demand is only going to keep growing, and it will need a strong workforce. This report provides recommendations to support clean energy workforce development.”
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Illegal Dumping Carries More Than a Price Tag
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| NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
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DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation Hosts Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Recently, DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation was honored to host U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, and officials from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Joined by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and local leaders, the group toured abandoned mine lands in Northumberland and Schuylkill counties to highlight successful restoration projects and the ongoing need for additional investment to address Pennsylvania’s legacy of mining impacts.
Stops included:
- The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area near Shamokin, Northumberland County, where abandoned mine lands, acid mine drainage ponds, and dangerous highwalls are being converted into recreational trails to spur economic revitalization
- Claude Kehler Community Park in the City of Shamokin to view significant AMD impairment in Carbon Run and Shamokin Creek
- An ongoing stream restoration project at the Donaldson Culm Bank near Tremont, Schuylkill County
“Hardworking communities like coal miners in Pennsylvania helped power our country,” said Secretary Haaland. “With critical investments to reclaim abandoned mine lands and plug orphan wells, the Department of the Interior is wholly committed to helping working families who face hazardous pollution, toxic water levels, and land subsidence both during mining and long after coal companies have moved on.”
Pennsylvania has inventoried over 287,000 acres of abandoned mine land with an estimated reclamation cost over $5 billion. PA also has more than 5,500 miles of streams degraded by abandoned mine drainage.
“Clearly, our work to address these legacy problems is not done,” said Brian Bradley, Director of DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation. “Funding to continue AML reclamation and abate AMD is critical to continue this work.”
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Susquehanna County Farm Goes to the Mat for Healthy Local Waters
The Aldrich Farm in Bridgewater Township, Susquehanna County, is doing its part to keep local streams healthy by participating in a DEP pilot program involving timber mats and farming livestock.
Sitting in a wet area along a road on the 268-acre farm are 62 timber mats, placed there by the Waterways and Wetlands Program in the DEP Northeast Regional Office.
The mats float on the water and soil, providing a solid, safe surface for the farm’s 120 cows to walk on. This simple provision has multiple benefits:
- It prevents the cows from polluting the water with sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorous;
- It’s beneficial to the animals’ health by preventing disease from bacteria, fungi, or other organisms in the mud; and
- The mats create a bridge between two pastures, helping to ensure uniform grazing.
Efforts like this on local farms help Pennsylvania reduce nutrient pollution in local waterways and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. And the farms benefit as well!
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MSI Premiums Reducing and Coverage Limits Increase to $1 Million
Starting July 1, 2021, Mine Subsidence Insurance (MSI) premiums will be reduced by half and coverage limits will double to $1 million. MSI provides financial compensation to homeowners for losses caused by movements of the earth's surface that results from the collapse of abandoned underground coal and clay mines in Pennsylvania.
Since 1961, the MSI program has paid out over $36 million in homeowner claims. Coverage is provided for complete buildings, buildings under construction, appurtenances to insured structures and for incidental losses that are a consequence of a loss. Insurance coverage is offered through DEP.
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Roger Rohrer stands in a 20-year-old forest buffer planted on his family's farm in Strasburg, Pa. Planted through USDA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, the buffer took years to establish. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
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For a crucial conservation effort, the decades have made the difference
Of the many conservation practices that farmers can adopt, planting trees along streams is one of the most effective ways to keep soil in place and advance the recovery of local waters as well as the Chesapeake Bay. But to be effective, fragile saplings have to live long enough to become a forest that shades the water and soaks up nutrient pollution with its roots. Keeping trees alive is not as simple as it may seem, and it’s only in recent years that the practice of using them to buffer waterways has really matured.
One farmer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has experienced the evolution firsthand, and can recount two decades of trial and error that have led to progress on his family’s 200 acres.
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Everyone Lives in a Watershed: River Runner Tool Highlights How Raindrops Travel
From the time that a single raindrop hits the ground, it begins its travel to a larger body of water. An interactive tool called River Runner shows the path of streams, creeks, and rivers a raindrop will take to get to a larger body of water from any location in the United States. Using the tool, you can see that most of these raindrops travel with the help of watersheds. While watersheds may be important in guiding a raindrop’s path, rainwater can also contribute to the damage of a watershed. After a raindrop hits the ground, it will often run off of a human-made structure or surface and pick up pollution from these surfaces as it makes its way to a river. This is known as runoff. Sediment, litter, and vehicle fluids are a few of the many pollutants that end up in our streams and rivers from rainwater runoff. Polluted watersheds limit our clean water sources, hurt wildlife, and can cause flooding, erosion, sewer issues, and more.
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The Path of a Raindrop in Harrisburg
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101
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