Pennsylvania Stormwater Strategy

Pennsylvania DEP Stormwater Link
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/stormwatermanagement/default.htm

The geographic focus is on the fast-growing communities located in the lower tier of the Commonwealth (Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Adams, and York Counties). Pennsylvania has made significant strides in developing a progressive stormwater manual in recent years, but still faces a major challenge to build local stormwater program capacity in more than 500 small communities in the Bay watershed. The initial elements of the stormwater strategy for Pennsylvania are outlined below.

Increase local stormwater program capacity in the top ten percent fastest growing MS4s communities in the State

Fully integrate water quality into the Act 167 planning and adoption process

Determine in 2008 whether stormwater utilities/authorities are explicitly legal in the Commonwealth, and if not, create specific new legislation to allow them

Promote a collaborative approach to land use planning and stormwater through new institutions such as the Lower Susquehanna Center for Land and Water

Build stronger partnerships between the State and nonprofit service providers to build local design and plan review capacity through workshops

Enhance the baseline model ordinance expected this Spring to ensure greater runoff reduction and pollutant removal

Develop stormwater management ordinances, permits and other tools that are consistent with the capabilities of small townships and villages

Adapt ESD practices that can work in the karst or mountainous terrain so common in the State.