Our area contains many high quality waterways such as Spring Creek which make significant contributions to our environment and quality of life. But some of our waters have recently been described as impaired, where water quality has been degraded by non-point pollution sources. The PA Department of Environmental Protection  (DEP) has moved forward with the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy which established aggressive goals for reductions in the amount of sediments and nutrients that our streams contribute to the Susquehanna River drainage area and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.  In addition, the potential for the establishment of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for Spring Creek have been discussed to prevent increased loadings to our waterways. These signs point to the need for the consideration of tools like stream buffer regulations and a coordinated effort at the local level to protect the health of our streams and waterways.

A riparian or stream buffer refers to the land located directly adjacent to a creek or stream that directly impacts water quality. A healthy riparian area contains trees and vegetation which enhance water quality by trapping and filtering sediments and nutrients. Healthy stream buffers also support aquatic life by providing shade to reduce stream temperatures and protect our local cold water trout fisheries, provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, prevent erosion of stream banks by holding soil in place, safeguard local water supplies by protecting groundwater recharge areas and reduce flooding by impounding, filtering and infiltrating storm water runoff.

The CRPA has prepared a draft of a model stream buffer overlay zoning ordinance for the Centre Region municipalities to consider for protecting and maintaining stream buffers. This model ordinance proposes the formation of two stream buffer zones; the first 35 feet and the second zone a distance of 65 feet for a total each side of a stream of 100 feet.  Both zones allow some permitted and some conditional uses.  The model also provides for a Stream Buffer Management Plan to be prepared when future subdivision, land development or redevelopment activities are proposed within these established buffer areas and finally contains a listing of recommended native trees and other plantings appropriate for restoring impacted buffer areas.  

Since January 2007 a COG Ad Hoc Steam Buffer Committee has convened composed of local elected officials, utility providers, farmers, county agencies, Penn State University and local business and environmental interests. Discussions have centered on appropriate public education and outreach, discussions of the pros and cons of stream buffering, and fine tuning the mechanics of the model ordinance.   The ordinance has now been finalized and the COG's elected officials will again be briefed in September. The model ordinance has been referred back out to the Centre Region municipalities for their individual consideration and adoption.  The COG has also received $10,000 in state DEP Growing Greener grant funding to assist with various forms of public education and outreach.  Any questions concerning stream buffers and/or the proposed model ordinance may be directed to Mr. Sebastian DeGregorio, at 231-3050 or sdegregorio@crcog.net.