Survey: 192 Municipalities Enact Buffer Ordinances To Protect Streams

Clean Water Action this week released a new survey which found 192 municipalities have adopted local ordinance requiring riparian buffers to protect streams, 30 perct of those ordinance require a buffer 100 feet or more in width.

 

The report concluded that “because water does not respect municipal borders, the best way to achieve maximum protection for the state’s water resources is to adopt a statewide buffers regulation. Such a regulation would ensure that 100 feet of natural vegetation is protected alongside all streams and rivers in the state whenever new development occurs.”

 

“Buffers are good for Pennsylvania’s communities, environment and economy because they help to filter out pollution from runoff, prevent erosion and flooding, provide important habitat for aquatic life, and help reduce drinking water treatment costs,” said Bob Wendelgass, National Deputy Director for Clean Water Action. “This is why the Campaign for Clean Water has been pushing for a statewide buffer

proposal to help protect water quality and all streams in the Commonwealth.”

 

PA Campaign for Clean Water, a coalition of over 130 environmental, conservation, sporting and religious groups, are now opposing recent Department of Environmental Protection proposals to reduce stream protection and eliminate conservation district review of permits required for drilling for natural gas and other development. (Pa Environment Digest 4/6/09)