 Executive
SummaryFAQs |
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 will establish 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 buffers 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 providing for and
protecting 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 will allow some permitted “by right” and some conditional
uses. The model also provides
for a Stream Buffer Management Plan to be prepared when future construction
and/or development is proposed within these established buffer areas and
finally contains a listing of native trees and other plantings appropriate
for 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. Once the ordinance has been finalized the COG’s elected officials will again review and discuss the model ordinance in July and hopefully refer the model out to the Centre Region municipalities for their individual consideration. The COG has also applied for $20,000 in state and private 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.