Forty-three of Pennsylvania’s counties contain waterways that drain to either the Susquehanna or the Potomac rivers, which flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Clean water efforts at the county level are the foundation of Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (Phase 3 WIP). Of these, 34 counties are currently in the process of implementing Countywide Action Plans (CAPs).
CAP implementation looks different for each county, but all have common needs for committed partners and effective communication. The Community Clean Water Action Plan Coordinator continues to play a critical role in implementing the CAPs. In order to meet the 2025 deadline identified by EPA, rapid implementation of Best Management Practices is needed.
To support this rapid implementation, DEP developed the Chesapeake Bay CAP Implementation Block Grant. The purpose of this program is to provide a mechanism to fund the implementation of CAPs developed at the county level to maximize specified nutrient and sediment reduction goals established as part of Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 WIP. During the development of the Phase 3 WIP, one of the main barriers or challenges the counties identified was the multiple application processes that had to be followed to receive state or federal funds. Through this Block Grant, multiple state and federal funding sources can be focused through one agreement to a lead county agency to implement the CAP.
Phase 1 – Pilot and Tier 2 Counties
Phase 2 – Tier 3 and 4 Counties
Countywide Action Plan Useful Tools
FieldDoc
Used for inputting of monthly and annual progress of the CAP. This planning optimization tool tracks and reports annual progress and milestones to DEP.
PracticeKeeper
Used for reporting conservation plans, BMPs, E&S plans, nutrient management plans, watershed plans, complaints, DEP ag inspection reports and data exports to DEP.
The best way to join your Countywide Action Plan is to reach out to the county coordinator. Just click on your county below to get the contact information for him or her.
Phase 1 – Pilot and Tier 2 Counties
Phase 2 – Tier 3 and 4 Counties
Residents
Have safer drinking water supplies
Enjoy the water recreation opportunities that make Pennsylvania special
Lessen your flooding risk
Avoid higher water treatment costs
Save your land--reduce land loss due to erosion
Avoid new or expanded federal regulations
Farmers
Improved soil health and retention
Increased profitability for farms
Learn about new or additional funding opportunities
Increased farm sustainability due to reduced erosion and increased livestock health due to cleaner water sources
Reduced tillage costs
Credit for existing BMPs
Avoid potential higher costs for compliance
Stronger voice in environmental planning
Positive public perception
Avoid increased regulation and governmental oversight on farms
Local government leaders
You retain control of your agenda for local water resources
You identify new pollution and flood reduction solutions
You identify previously unknown grant and cost-share opportunities
This planning can help your community solve local problems while meeting its share of the state’s goals.
Developers and construction companies
A predictable regulatory and permit program, managed by state and local officials
Increased access to technical and cost share assistance for stormwater controls
Avoid stepped up federal enforcement of stormwater permits
Avoid stricter water quality standards in areas where streams run to the Potomac or Susquehanna rivers
Environmental organizations
Local stakeholders renew their commitment to do their part
Cleaner water sooner
Partners achieve shared goals
Your supporters see success for your efforts
Increased awareness of funding opportunities
“Healthier streams and rivers mean clean drinking water in the county, recreational opportunities, the protection of animal and plant life in streams, plus the overall improved quality of life for people that a healthy environment brings.”York County team
