News

DEP's Invitation to Bid: SPEED Permit Review 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking to engage qualified professionals to review permits on an expedited basis as part of the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program. 

DEP has begun implementing the SPEED program, which was included in the 2024-25 Budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro.

The SPEED program offers increased flexibility, allowing permit applicants to have a DEP-verified and qualified professional conduct the initial review of the application, with DEP making its decision based on the qualified professional's recommendation.

Applicants for eligible permits will agree to pay any review fees incurred by the qualified professional, in addition to permit application fees.

Permits eligible for the SPEED program include:

• Air Quality plan approvals (state-only) (Chp.127)
• Earth Disturbance permits (Chp.102)
• Individual Water Obstruction and Encroachment permits (Chp.105)
• Dam Safety permits (Chp.105)

Bids are due by December 31, 2024. Questions can be directed to Brian Franklin at brfranklin@pa.gov or (717) 787-2471.

PCPG 2025-2027 Board of Director Elections

Nominations are now being accepted for our upcoming PCPG Board of Directors Election scheduled for December. 

PCPG is growing and we need members in good standing to help PCPG continue to guide educational programs, and keep our membership in the forefront Geosciences.

PCPG’s future is strong but only with the help of our supportive members to promote Geology, advocate for our membership before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Pennsylvania regulatory agencies, and provide opportunities for education and networking.

The Candidate Interest Form download will need completed and returned by November 25, 2024, in order to have the PCPG Nominating Committee consider your candidacy.

If you are interested, reach out to one of our current board members, email PCPG President Elect Jenny Kachel, P.G. or telephone Jenny by dialing 1 (484) 757-7890.

Continental Drifters events huge success

PCPG has been holding Continental Drifters networking events over the past few months, and the events are a huge success. One remarkable aspect to these informal events is the networking opportunities, whether a member interested in a more personal experience, or someone who is curious about what PCPG is all about joins us.

PCPG professionals, students, Corporate Members and Associate Members gather and enjoyed refreshments and conversation. Business cards are passed, contacts are made, and information is exchanged.

Future events will appear on the home page calendar and in our eBlasts.

April 18th Continental Drifters • Harrisburg

March 7th Continental Drifters • Cranberry Township

February 8th Continental Drifters • Downingtown

ASBOG® Exam Dates

• March 21, 2025 (Application deadline 11/15/24)
  
• October 3, 2025 (Application deadline 7/1/25)
• March 20, 2026 (Application deadline 11/15/25)
• October 2, 2026 (Application deadline 7/1/26)
  

More information is found in the Professional Geologists Examinee Candidate Handbook download.

Stay in Touch with PCPG

If you are not yet receiving PCPG's biweekly eBlasts, or quarterly newsletter and would like to receive these emails, sign-up using our Stay In Touch page.

PCPG is now on Instagram

As a complement to our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, PCPG is happy to introduce our Instagram, @pcpg_rocks, where you can find information on upcoming events, outreach experiences, highlights of PA geology, and even maybe a game or two. While signed into your Instagram account, head over using the link or scan the QR code. Don't forget to follow, like, and comment!