Lynn Langer, Chief of the Watershed Protection Division, opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. with an overview of the agenda and a brief explanation of DEP’s Environmental Futures Planning Process (EFP2.) As part of the EFP2, the DEP Regional Offices have developed Environmental Action Plans (EAPs) that are being implemented by the 34 watershed teams. In December 2002, watershed teams will be revisiting EAPs with public involvement.
EPA Region III NPS Team Leader, Fred Suffian, provided an overview of the draft Proposed Watershed Rule using a powerpoint presentation. The draft Proposed Watershed Rule encompasses:
• Water Quality Standards
• Monitor and Assess WQS Attainment
• TMDL in 8-13 years
• Watershed Plan in 2 years includes managing NPS and NPDES permits for Point Sources
This would be part of the Continuing Planning Process. The draft rule has not yet been completely developed as a formal proposal.
Russell Wagner, Chief of the Nonpoint Source Management Section, provided copies of the new publication Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Watersheds which includes projects recommended by the NPS Liaison Workgroup. Russ then instructed the workgroups on EPA Region III Guidance for the 2002 Annual Report. “Focus on highlights and the most significant areas. What are the big things that happened over the past year? What are next year’s priorities? What are the challenges?” The NPS Category Workgroups went to their respective break out sessions.
After lunch each Workgroup provided a summary of their discussion.
The following timeline for Annual Report was agreed upon:
• November 5th have all information to workgroup chairman/staff person
• November 22nd have information to Carl Rohr
• December 15th draft final report
• December 31st final report due to EPA Region III
NPS Liaison Workgroup meeting dates for 2003 were scheduled for June 10th and October 23rd. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.