News & Notes January 2002

Nutrient and Sediment Control Innovative Technology Forum: Feb. 12-14, Grantville, PA

On behalf of Gov. Mark Schweiker, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David E. Hess and Agriculture Secretary Sam Hayes today announced that the two departments, along with county conservation districts, will hold a Nutrient and Sediment Control Innovative Technology Forum Feb. 12-14 at the Holiday Inn in Grantville, Dauphin County.

"The Growing Greener program has focused on cleaning up our watersheds and using new techniques to prevent water pollution all across the Commonwealth," Hess said. "This forum represents a unique opportunity for people to share information about the latest methods of reducing nutrient runoff and controlling erosion and sedimentation -- two keys to improving the health of our streams.

The forum, sponsored by 18 organizations and companies, will feature 16 technical sessions and 50 speakers from Pennsylvania, as well as other states and countries, who will cover a wide range of innovative nutrient- and sediment-control technologies and pollution-prevention practices relating to municipal wastewater and stormwater management, agricultural activities, bio-solids and manure management.

"There seems to be a renewed concern about the environment and nutrient management," Hayes said. "This forum is an opportunity for anyone interested in the subject, not just those closest to it, to learn about the latest challenges and technologies surrounding watershed management."

A technology exhibition area will be open during the forum to showcase new and innovative technologies, and techniques for controlling nutrients and sediments.

"This is an opportunity to learn how innovative technologies are changing the way sediment and nutrient runoff are controlled, and to meet people who are implementing these practices," said Susan Fox, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD).

The forum registration fee is $35. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and all materials.

A registration form and more details on the technical sessions for the forum can be found on DEP's website (directLINK "Innovative Technology Forum").

For more information on registration or exhibitor arrangements, call PACD at 717-238-PACD (7223), or visit: http://www.pacd.org.

In previous issues of News and Notes PACD announced that its Engineering Assistance Program is now fully staffed, and provided introductions to our Engineering Assistance Teams stationed in Somerset and Bloomsburg, PA. PACD will be spotlighting staff from each of the remaining Engineering Assistance Teams until each staff member has been officially introduced. This month we are spotlighting the Lebanon Engineering Assistance Team.

**Frank Harvatine, Conservation Technician: Frank came out of retirement to join the PACD Engineering Assistance Teams, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. His career in conservation began at the Soil Conservation Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, where he was employed for 43 years. For the past 32 years, Frank has worked as an engineering technician, providing support to the counties of southeastern Pennsylvania.

“I wanted to stay involved with the conservation movement,” Frank explained. “I felt that working for PACD, at the Lebanon Technical Center, would give me that opportunity. I look forward to continued involvement with conservation projects in this area.” Frank is a resident of Cleona, PA, in Lebanon County. He is married and has four children, as well as six grandchildren, who all help to keep him very active.

**Karlyn Haas, Conservation Technician: Karlyn comes to the PACD with previous conservation district experience. She worked as an Agricultural Conservation Technician with the Berks County Conservation District, working primarily within the Tulpehocken watershed. Prior to joining the Berks CD staff, Karlyn held jobs in the conservation field, working as an education center coordinator in California, and with AmeriCorps in Preston, W.V, where she was involved with a number of abandoned mine reclamation projects.

Karlyn graduated from Towson State University, with a bachelor’s degree in geography. As an employee of the PACD, she hopes to continue her learning process while assisting others to protect the environment and our natural resources.

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