Pa. DEP Awards Grant from Clean Water Fund to York County Planning Commission

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced it is awarding a $35,000 grant to fund a project in York County, Pa., that will help integrate water resource planning activities and streamline permitting processes related to water resources management.

The project, developed by the York County Planning Commission, will "web enable" the York County Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP). They will also make it available as a model and template to all Pennsylvania counties.

"York County's IWRP is innovative and has the potential to help municipalities and other entities develop projects that will help curb pollution discharged to Pennsylvania waters," DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner said.

The York County IWRP offers a variety of tools for users to understand the interconnection of water-related components that are critical to project implementation, including: regulations, studies, plans, and their relationship to environmental resource management, land use, citizen health and safety, and other important topics.

Specifically, the flow chart component provides a step-by-step guide for public or private entities implementing activities such as the placement of storm water controls or the design and planning of large construction projects. The IWRP helps provide information on project needs from beginning to end, while ensuring that necessary plans are referenced; appropriate agencies are contacted; pertinent issues are considered; and that the applicant applies for all required permits.

Counties interested in using the IWRP can reach the York County Planning Commission at 717.771.9870 or at www.ycpc.org.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection