CBF: PA Watershed Cleanup Plan Must Meet EPA Goals

Matthew Ehrhart, PA Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation released this statement following public meetings held this week by EPA to educate Pennsylvanians about the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), or pollution diet, developed for the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

            'Public meetings were held in Lancaster, State College, Ashley, and Williamsport by EPA as part of the 45-day comment period for the TMDL process. EPA administrators and representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection presented background on the TMDL, and DEP’s plan to meet the federal clean water requirements through the development of a Watershed Implementation Plan.

            'The WIP must spell out strategies to achieve pollution reduction in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The TMDL will set new limits on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution that may be discharged into local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. These new limits are necessary to ensure compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.

            “The TMDL is coming, and will require all of us to do more to reduce pollution in Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams. The Commonwealth must ensure that funding and technical assistance are available to achieve our pollution reduction goals. Clean, clear water is a right we must all demand.  It stimulates the economy, supports a broad spectrum of jobs, and insures healthy communities for us all.

            'CBF appreciates EPA and DEP providing communities with the opportunity to learn more, and ask questions about the new pollution reduction program and the state’s plan for reaching these goals.”

            “We appreciate DEP’s candor and acknowledgement that improvements to their first draft of the WIP are necessary. Pennsylvania’s WIP must not only reach the pollution reduction limits as set by EPA, but it must also spell out how we will get there by outlining the mechanisms, resources, and staffing support to meet the goals. Most importantly, DEP must provide reasonable assurance that their plan can be implemented and goals can be achieved.”