12/02/24 - 90 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/5xpcbut8
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CBF Expresses Concern About Bill To Do Away With Stream Buffer Requirements
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The Chesapeake Bay Foundation this week expressed concern about legislation Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Northampton) plans to introduce which would eliminate the requirement in Chapter 102 of DEP's regulations for riparian forested buffers at construction projects within High Quality and Exceptional Value watersheds.
"The Chapter 102 regulation was established to protect Pennsylvania’s most pristine and ecologically sensitive streams. The Department of Environmental Protection (“the Department”) classifies these streams as high quality (“HQ”) and exceptional value (“EV”) based on specific water quality criteria.
"As you are aware, Northampton County is home to two streams that fall into the HQ or EV categories, both of which are economically and ecologically important to your constituents. Bushkill Creek, a high-quality waterway, and a renowned fishery that beckons thousands of fishermen to its banks each spring, and Catasauqua Creek, an exceptional value waterway that is known as Class A wild trout waters thereby representing the best of Pennsylvania’s naturally wild reproducing trout fisheries. Both of these streams, as well as your constituents, would benefit tremendously by maintaining a 150 foot buffer.
"Scientific studies have shown that buffers greater than 100 feet or more prevent pollution from entering streams, reduce pollution already in streams, prevent flooding, protect human health and welfare, and improve property values. Thus, the 150-foot riparian buffer requirement is an important part of the puzzle in preventing stream degradation in these waterways.
"As a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee I’m sure you understand the significance of healthy habitats for wildlife and aquatic species. The tree canopy created by a streamside buffer contributes to the health of the stream by maintaining cooler water temperatures, and by providing healthier habitats for economically and environmentally important fish species, like the brook and brown trout. These benefits are also extended to a host of other aquatic species, many of which the trout depend upon.
"This scientifically justifiable and reasonable requirement for a riparian buffer is essential to water quality and flood control in areas where EV/HQ streams are located. Based on the number of exemptions, limited scope in applicability, and the ability to be granted a waiver from the requirement, we are hard-pressed to see how this requirement creates a negative impact to anyone located in a district where EV/HQ streams can be found."
The complete CBF letter is available online.
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10/31/2011 |
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