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Hello partners for water quality!
We have much news to share on progress by state, local, and sector partners to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and improve water quality in Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
For more details on the Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan and Countywide Action Planning, visit the Phase 3 WIP website. For a broader educational look at nutrient and sediment pollution in local streams, rivers, and lakes in the watershed, including tips and success stories, visit Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities. Please consider how you might join in or help support this work. Anyone interested in their county’s Phase 3 WIP County Wide Action plan can sign up to get involved. And help spread the word! Share this newsletter or the subscribe page. — DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management
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DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM)
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BWRNSM Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Division Releases Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities – Pennsylvania’s 2022 Chesapeake Bay Annual Progress Report
DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management is proud to announce the release of its Healthy Waters Healthy Communities – Pennsylvania’s 2022 Chesapeake Bay Progress Report. The goal of this annual report is to share collective successes for Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) and Countywide Action Plans (CAPs), with spotlights on projects, partners and progress throughout Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
As part of the annual report announcement, two additional pieces were created to share how counties have been using the CAPs to bring people and partners together for clean water projects and to celebrate the work and partnerships being built through the CAP process:
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Jill Whitcomb, BWRNSM Director, Provides Testimony to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
On June 26th, several key stakeholders provided testimony at the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Pennsylvania Waterways and the Chesapeake Bay public hearing. Jill Whitcomb, BWRNSM Director, along with representatives from the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, provided testimony to the committee.
Whitcomb’s testimony focused on Pennsylvania’s waters, what makes Pennsylvania unique in the watershed, and how we engage and empower local leaders and organizations, both within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and statewide. To learn more about the details of each stakeholder’s testimony, view the links below.
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Programs and Projects by Local, State and Federal Partners
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DEP Secretary Introduces Bevin Ann Buchheister as New Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Programs
At the July 11th Environmental Quality Board Meeting, DEP Secretary Rich Negrin introduced Bevin Ann Buchheister, Esq., as the new Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Programs. Buchheister will be managing the Office of Water Programs, including BWRNSM, the Bureaus of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Safe Drinking Water, and Clean Water, the Compacts and Commissions Office and Planning and Conservation Division.
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Chesapeake Bay Program Records a 12% Increase in Underwater Grass Abundance for 2022
In coordination with the Maryland Department of Natural Resource and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, an estimated 74,462 acres of underwater grassed were mapped in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. This is 12% higher than in 2021, and 9% higher than the long-term average taken between 1984 and 2022.
Seeing this increase in underwater grasses has tremendous benefits to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Grasses help keep water clean by absorbing excess nutrients, trapping suspended sediment, protect wetlands and reduce erosion. These grasses also provide food for small invertebrates and migratory waterfowl as well as habitat for fish and blue crabs.
Pennsylvania and other Bay states’ implementation of best management practices that limit nutrient and sediment have helped underwater grasses rebound.
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PENNVEST Investment in Drinking Water, Wastewater and Nonpoint Source Projects
On July 19, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) announced a $116.6 million investment in 22 drinking water, wastewater and nonpoint source projects. The funding came from combined state and federal funds, including: Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy Funds, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, and U.S. EPA grants. These funded projects stretch across 19 counties in Pennsylvania and include several Chesapeake Bay watershed counties.
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SRBC Coordinates Efforts of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Region Freshwater Mussel Partnership
Across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, freshwater mussels are receiving attention. Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) Monitoring & Protection program staff recently became the coordinators of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Region Freshwater Mussel Partnership, a voluntary group of stakeholders with a shared interest in conserving and restoring freshwater mussels as a vital component of biodiversity throughout the Bay watershed, and as a living filter with potential to influence the availability of pollutants, especially nutrients.
As coordinators of the Partnership, SRBC staff will be facilitating communications across the group, scheduling meetings and symposiums, managing resources and coordinating with pertinent elements of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to get involved!
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PDA invests $10.2 million to preserve 29 farms, 2,044 acres in 15 counties
On June 22, PDA announced an investment of more than $10.2 million in state, county and local dollars to preserve prime farmland to help Pennsylvania farms continue to feed our families and our economy. With this investment, preservation of 2,044 acres on 29 farms in 15 counties was completed. The newly preserved farms are in Adams, Berks, Butler, Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lehigh, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Union and Wayne counties.
Due to contributions like these, Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, PDA has protected 6,231 farms and 626,321 acres in 58 counties and contributed more than $1.67 billion in state, county and local funds. These investments will multiply public dollars invested in conservation initiatives, including the new $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, supporting farmers’ efforts to reduce water pollution and improve soil quality.
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Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Educational Mini-grants Projects Completed
During the 2022-23 Nonpoint Source Pollution Educational Mini-Grant round, 37 projects were completed by 27 county conservation districts. Funding and support for this project is provided by PACD through a grant from DEP under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by EPA. Of the 37 projects, over half of these projects are located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Stroud Water Research Center Wins Award from Lancaster County Planning
The Stroud Water Research Center and partners won the places2040 Planning Leadership Award from Lancaster County Planning. Working with TeamAg, Inc., Lancaster Clean Water Partners, Lancaster Farmland Trust and other partners, local farmers and the Stroud Center implemented practices that improve the health of the farmers’ operations. Another part of their mission is to restore water quality in a small tributary of Pequea Creek in Paradise Township, Pennsylvania.
Many improvements are in progress on all farms in this subwatershed of the Pequea Creek watershed. The project is part of a greater goal to accelerate the restoration of 350 miles of impaired streams in Lancaster County and remove them from Pennsylvania’s list of impaired streams by 2030. The process of delisting streams is not easy and, if successful, will signify they are healthy enough for fish and wildlife to flourish and allow people to swim in.
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Aerial view before project
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Before riparian buffer installation
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After riparian buffer installation
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Susquehanna University and Chesapeake Conservancy Partner on Workforce Development
This summer, through a workforce development program developed by Susquehanna University and Chesapeake Conservancy, four Susquehanna University students have been trained and certified as herbicide applicators to manage invasive plant species while preparing for conservation careers. This program will also allow these students to learn about regional programs, install restoration structures and attend professional development workshops. The students have received training and completed the required herbicide certification process, and will receive habitat restoration skills while conducting maintenance work.
“We will teach undergraduate students the skills they will need as habitat restoration specialists while they simultaneously conduct much-needed maintenance work on 50 acres of existing restoration sites, where our partner organizations are in real need of help,” said Matt Wilson, Director of Susquehanna’s Center for Environmental Education and Research and Freshwater Research Institute.
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Susquehanna University students Emma Dickinson ’26, Jacob Winters ’24, Sam Shafer ’25 and Alayna Krempa ’25 take a break with Art Gover of Fruittown Land Stewardship Services.
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U.S. EPA Announces First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
On June 22nd, U.S. EPA announced a first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). EPA is looking to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC with members between the ages of 16 and 29. At least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from or those who work in disadvantaged communities to continue the agency’s commitment to focusing environmental justice communities. Applications are due by August 22nd . EPA will be holding a virtual application and Q/A webinar on August 7th at noon. Registration is required by filling out the online registration form.
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The GIANT Company and Keep PA Beautiful Award 23 Healing the Planet Grants
On June 16, the GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced the award of $300,000 to 23 recipients of the 2023 Healing the Planet Grant Program. These 23 projects will work to address food waste prevention, reduction and recovery across the GIANT Company’s operating area. Several organizations located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed were awarded grants.
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Lawn Conversion Sub-Grants for Conservation Districts Now Available
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently awarded the PA Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) with a $100,000 Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) lawn conversion grant to offer lawn conversion training as well as mini grants to the conservation districts. Part of this effort is to help the Commonwealth reach a goal of planting 5,000 acres of meadows and 5,000 acres of upland forest by 2025.
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PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) Accepting Resource Enhancement Farm Conservation (REAP) Tax Credit Applications
Beginning August 7th, PDA will be accepting applications for the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credits. This is a first come, first served program to allow farmers, businesses and landowners to receive tax credits to offset the cost of implementing conservation practices. REAP provides tax credits at level of 50%, 75% and 90% of costs acquired by BMP implementation that reduces nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution.
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) launches pilot program to fully fund water resources projects
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is launching a pilot program to fully fund small water resources projects for economically disadvantaged communities through Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. Project proposals are due by August 21, 2023. Project proposals under this pilot program are for projects under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). Under CAP, the Corps can plan, design, and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project specific congressional authorization. The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope, and complexity. While CAP projects typically require a cost-share with a non-Federal sponsor, this pilot program will fully fund the selected projects. The program has provided a fact sheet to assist applicants.
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PA Clean Water Procurement Program is Open
Pennsylvania’s new Clean Water Procurement Program, funded by the 2022-2023 Clean Streams Fund, is now open. The long term objective of the PENNVEST Clean Water Procurement Program is to improve water quality in the Commonwealth through the purchase of verified nutrient (nitrogen/phosphorus) or sediment reduction resulting from the installation of best management practices that are effective and practical to manage nutrient and sediment to protect surface water and groundwater, with the goal of helping the Commonwealth to achieve it Chesapeake Bay TMDL goals for nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2023. Information, including the guidance, public comment and response, application and a sample form can be accessed on the PENNVEST website.
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Getting Credit for Our Work
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BWRNSM Chesapeake Bay Partnership Section Holds a 2023 Data Reporter Check-in Webinar
On June 28, BWRNSM’s Chesapeake Bay Partnership Section held a check-in webinar with more than 35 data reporters to cover 2023 numerical data reporting and quality assurance project plan (QAPP) updates, requirements and timelines. The overall goal of the webinar was to provide up front clarity and information to our many data reporters and maintain open lines of communication to make this year’s reporting process go smoothly.
Data reporters are individuals that provide numerical best management practices (BMP) data from a BMP implementation program. These programs range from agriculture practices to forest and urban practice programs. Each program that reports numerical data to DEP must have a pre-approved QAPP that outlines program details on reporting methods, quality assurance and quality control methods, BMP verification methods and more.
Annually, Pennsylvania’s data reporters collect, verify and submit their program numerical data to DEP’s Bay Partnership Section. The Bay Partnership Section takes the data, verifies, standardizes and stores it in a database, and submits it to EPA for counting progress in nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment reductions. These reductions help us to keep track of water quality throughout PA’s watersheds and also move us closer to meeting PA’s goals in our Chesapeake Bay’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Reporting data may seem like a tedious task, but it is our way to visualize our many improvements that are happening all over Pennsylvania’s local watersheds within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Adams County Collaborates with GVM to Address Highly Eroded Streambanks
GVM is a local Adams County anti-ice and farm equipment manufacturer. The CAP Coordinator reached out to them to address the highly eroded stream on their property. With designs done by PA Fish and Boat Commission and funding from a DEP CAP Implementation grant, the project was recently completed. The project consisted of two dozen instream structures and over 1,100 feet of streambank stabilized/graded. This project, as well as others like it that will be completed this summer, are a perfect example of projects implemented through multi-faceted partnerships.
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50 Acres Preserved by Land Conservancy of Adams County
Estelle King of Hanover gifted a conservation easement protecting a 50-acre parcel in Conewago Township. Twenty-five acres of the land were originally purchased by Estelle and her late husband Richard King from the Myers family in 1987. In the early 2000s, another 25-acre was acquired from a neighbor and remains today in agricultural production. King had a “personal history of advancing conservancies and all they achieved,” so protecting her property was an easy decision. This property sits next to another Land Conservancy of Adams County protected parcel. With this gift, this part of southeast Adams County has reached nearly a mile of protected farmland on both sides of this corridor.
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Franklin County Publishes Pilot Study with Interactive Story Map: Conococheague Creek Priority Projects Plan (CP3)
In 2021, the Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD), with grant funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), initiated an assessment of the Conococheague Creek watershed. With the help of our dedicated stakeholder (municipalities, agencies, NGOs and additional partners), this assessment identified local restoration opportunities to assist with water quality improvement and resource protection goals. The plan was recently completed with support from LandStudies, Inc. (LSI).
Following completion of the plan and the online story map, FCCD held a follow up meeting on June 7th to reveal the newly completed plan. The meeting included discussion of next steps to implement the restoration opportunities outlined in the plan and how everyone fits into the puzzle to work as partners. FCCD provided detailed information related to designing, permitting and funding these large-scale projects for quicker, successful implementation. Additionally, a focused panel of agency, funder and industry professionals including DEP, US Army Corps of Engineers, LandStudies and others, answered questions related to BMP-specific programs and permits for the stakeholders.
The goal of this plan was to choose a sample of projects across the watershed which demonstrate the defining characteristics of a “priority project”. While these projects reflect a pilot scale study of a massive watershed, the objective of this effort is to equip stakeholders to use this dynamic plan in identification and prioritization of projects that exhibit alignment with the tenants of this plan, and which may then be added to the active digital story map. Many additional opportunities have since been identified, and some of the projects have already secured funding for designs or entered the construction phase.
For questions regarding the plan, or projects resulting from the effort, contact Franklin County Conservation District and ask for the Caitlin Lucas, Clean Water Coordinator, or Watershed Specialist, Emily Hartley, at 717-264-5499.
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Lancaster Farmland Trust Reaches 35,000 Preserved Acres on 35th Anniversary
During Lancaster Farmland Trusts 35th year of operation, preserved farmland reached a milestone of 35,000 acres. The David and Alexandra Weber’s farm, D-BAR-W Equestrian Center was preserved on July 13th. This 110-acre farm began boarding horses in 1979 and currently contains 68 stalls, several arenas, rings and pastures.
Preserving farmland has always been an important mission for Lancaster County. In total, Lancaster county has the most preserved acres of all Pennsylvania counties at 120,000 acres and more than 1,500 preserved farms. The Lancaster County Agriculture Council estimates that the county brings in more than $1.5 billion in crop value each year and that agriculture drives $580 million worth of annual tourism.
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Lancaster County Accepting Lancaster Clean Water Fund Applications
Since 2019, the Lancaster County Water Fund has supported more than 30 projects for water quality improvement. This grant was created to achieve clean and clear local waterways by 2040. To make the grant possible, the fund has collaborated with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, Lancaster Conservancy, Lancaster County Conservation District, Lancaster Farmland Trust, local municipalities and Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center.
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Lancaster County Working to Slow Down the Water and Improve Aesthetics
Officials in East Petersburg, Lancaster County, just completed the installation of a bioswale where an outdated stormwater structure was in place but had degraded over time and had been performing poorly.
“We had a stormwater BMP in that area, but since the 1980s the pipe has been compromised in quality,” explained Jeff Moseman, MS4 Projects Supervisor for the borough. “The bioswale will slow down the water going through the stormwater structure. The water will better infiltrate into the ground during a heavy rain event.” Better water quality AND community benefits are a double win for this suburban project, which is highly visible and valued.
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East Petersburg bioswale location
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Three Lancaster County Family Farms Complete Multiple BMP Updates with Support from Lancaster Farmland Trust
Three family farms in Lancaster County recently completed a series of BMP updates with support from Lancaster Farmland Trust.
Two farms in the Pequea Creek Watershed received improvements to their manure storage units, barnyard areas, cattle walkways and stream crossings and confinement fencing. One farm also added a roofed heavy-use area, rain gutters and downspouts to collect and divert rainwater into appropriate outlets.
These farms are located near the Strasburg Railroad, and now these agriculture and conservation practices are also front and center for the thousands of people who visit the railroad. While water conservation may not be the first thing visitors think of when walking the train yard, these farmers are doing their part to positively impact water quality for the community, both locally and downstream.
Another farm in the Upper Conestoga River Watershed received similar barnyard improvements and installed streambank improvements, including 2,400 feet of streambank fencing and a nearly two-acre buffer area.
“Well-managed farms play a critical role in restoring local streams and rivers, protecting habitats, and improving soil health,” said Jebb Musser of Lancaster Farmland Trust. “Combining best management practices with the permanent preservation of farmland is one of the best solutions to addressing today’s environmental challenges.”
These projects will result in an estimated reduction of 10,212 pounds of nitrogen, 4,418 pounds of phosphorus and 9.6 tons of sediment in the Pequea Creek; and 5,881 pounds of nitrogen, 2,530 pounds of phosphorus and 3.4 tons of sediment in the Upper Conestoga River.
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PA InterFaith Power & Light Joins the 10 Million Trees Partnership
Gary Gill, a volunteer from PA InterFaith Power & Light, is partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership to help plant native trees and bushes in Mifflin and Juniata counties. Anyone with land in these counties can order plants for free by July 31st. This is on a first come, first served basis and includes a tub and stake for each plant. About 70 native species will be available for fall to provide additional food for local species. For smaller orders than 25 trees or more, contact Gary Gill at vegangary1@gmail.com for the order form and list of trees.
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Pollinator Program is All the BUZZ in Southern Montour County
A landowner in Southern Montour County worked with the conservation district to plant roughly 1.5 acres of pollinator meadows on their property. The pollinator program allowed the landowner to convert most of his turf lawn into wildflower meadows. The landowner was so excited about the possibility of converting his lawn, that he informed his neighbors of his plans and this has led to an additional three acres of pollinator meadows in Southern Montour County.
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Watershed Alliance of York Accepting Applications for Riparian Forest Buffer Grants
The Watershed Alliance of York (WAY) is now accepting applications for grants supporting riparian buffer plantings in York County. Applications are due by September 30th, 2023. These grants will pay landowners $6,000 per acre of buffer planted. For information on how to apply, send an email to Rachel Stahlman, WAY President and CAP Coordinator, at rstahlman@ycpc.org or call 717-771-9870 x1763.
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York County Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program is now accepting applications
Those eligible for the grant include:
- Any municipality in York County
- Nonprofit organization with a 501(c) status with a focus on natural resource protection, land preservation, or conservation, and should be in existence for at least five years
- York County Parks Department
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York County Community Foundation announced more than $176,000 in grant funding
On July 6th, York County Community Foundation (YCCF) announced more than $176,000 in grant funding to continue efforts in York County. The grants are helping to fund the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Expanding Corporate Sustainability Initiative; Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Greener Codorus Initiative; and the Crispus Attucks York Codorus Corridor Summer Enrichment Program. Each program has a goal to involve the community and build a healthy and sustainable environment for all life.
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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