The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 18 PA Bulletin inviting comments on proposed changes to the NPDES General Permit For Stormwater Discharges From Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (PAG-13).

DEP is proposing a new approach in the draft PAG-13 for restoring surface waters that are impaired for reasons that may be related to urban stormwater, including the Chesapeake Bay.

In recognition of the anticipated increase in runoff in this Commonwealth as a result of climate change, and the fact that the impact of excessive runoff through flooding is more easily understood by local officials and residents, the Department is proposing to focus the draft PAG-13 on the reduction or management of runoff volume, rather than directly on pollutant loads, with the strong scientific consensus that managing stormwater runoff volume also decreases loads of key pollutants, like nutrients and sediment.

On November 21, DEP briefed the Water Resources Advisory Committee on the changes being proposed to the PAG-13 and this background information would be useful in reviewing the draft permit.

It includes a transcript of DEP’s Jamie Eberl’s remarks to the Committee summarizing the changes.  Read more here.

Click Here for a copy of the draft PAG-13 and related documents.

Comments are due March 19-- 60 days from the notice.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for a summary of the proposed changes and how to submit comments.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Resource Link:

-- DEP Briefs Water Resources Committee On Proposed Changes To PAG-13 General Permit For Small Municipal Stormwater Dischargers [Including a transcript of DEP remarks]

[Posted: January 17, 2025]

1/20/2025