1928 Public notice of draft comprehensive stormwater management policy

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Public Notice of Draft Comprehensive Stormwater Management Policy

[31 Pa.B. 6003]

   The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking public comment on a proposal to update its current stormwater management program, using existing authority, to improve water quality, sustain water quantity (including ground water recharge and stream base flow) and integrate upcoming stormwater management obligations.

   The draft proposal is available on the DEP website at www.dep.state.pa.us (directLINK ''Comprehensive Stormwater Policy'') or can be obtained by contacting Stuart Gansell at [phone], e-mail to [e-mail] or DEP Office of Water Management, Bureau of Watershed Management, 10th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8555, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555.

   At the 15 water forums held throughout this Commonwealth in the spring of 2001, stormwater management was a consistent and recurring concern of citizens and municipal officials. DEP is facing challenges to its existing approach in litigation before the Environmental Hearing Board. The Commonwealth must also implement Phase II stormwater controls under the Federal Clean Water Act within the next several years.

   DEP proposes a best management practices (BMP) approach to stormwater management that generally encourages, and sometimes requires, minimization and infiltration of stormwater flows. This approach will reduce pollutant loadings to streams, recharge groundwater tables, enhance stream base flow during times of drought and reduce the threat of flooding and stream bank erosion resulting from storm events. Permit conditions will require BMPs as the means of managing stormwater from both Phase I and Phase II construction, as well as postconstruction stormwater flows.

   Administratively, DEP proposes to integrate its permitting programs with stormwater management plans developed on a watershed basis under the Stormwater Management Act (Act 167). Act 167 county plans will include water quality and quantity protections implemented by municipalities within the watershed. In addition, DEP will, in appropriate circumstances, rely on these Act 167 plans to meet the NPDES permitting requirements for municipalities under the Federal Clean Water Act Phase II municipal stormwater permitting program.

   Written comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person commenting. Written comments will be accepted by postal or e-mail at the addresses previously listed. Comments submitted by facsimile or voice mail will not be accepted.

   The comment period extends through December 27, 2001, and comments received by that date will be considered in the formulation of the final guidance for Comprehensive Stormwater Management Policy (document identification number, 392-0300-002).

   Persons in need of accommodations as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Stuart Gansell at [phone] or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at [phone] (TDD) or [phone] (voice) to discuss how DEP can accommodate their needs.

DAVID E. HESS,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-1928. Filed for public inspection October 26, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]