U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin Thursday announced the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Penn State University are among the recipients of Wetland Program Development Grants in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

DCNR was awarded $400,000 to perform a series of research activities that will focus on headwater peatlands, a type of wetland, in Pennsylvania. Peatland is made up of decomposing plant material and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program intends to determine where peatlands are located, their characteristics and their condition. The information will be used to manage and protect these unique wetlands.

Penn State University will receive a $668,764 grant that will be used to provide support for the continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Wetland Work Group for four years. The group provides a forum for collaboration, sharing of information and scientific technical support of the Mid-Atlantic states wetland programs. They will also compile a database of successful mitigation projects throughout the region.

“Wetlands are one of our nation’s most unique ecosystems and they play a significant role in protecting our nation’s water supply,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “By committing to protect and restore these valuable resources, Pennsylvania is in the forefront of keeping our lakes, rivers and streams clean.”

The Clean Water Act recognizes the dangers of having pollution upstream. As water flows downstream, it carries pollutants with it. And because wetlands are instrumental in eliminating pollution, they have a huge impact on water downstream.

Wetland Program Development Grants are used to build and refine comprehensive wetland programs, with priority given to funding projects that address the three priority areas identified by the EPA: developing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program; improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation; and refining the protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources.

For more information, visit EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants webpage.

10/6/2014