The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is developing a Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. The manual will support the implementation of federal and state water quality programs, emphasizing innovative best management practices that encourage on-site stormwater management and increased groundwater infiltration as a means to minimize stormwater discharges and limit the amount of surface pollutants entering Pennsylvania's streams. A statewide oversight committee was appointed to monitor the development of the manual, and to provide expert advice, technical review and general guidance to the project contractor that will develop the manual.
On January 28, 2005, DEP finished the first round of six regional focus group meetings. These meetings were convened to provide an opportunity to individuals who are actively involved with stormwater management at the local level to participate in the manual development process, but who could not attend the statewide oversight committee meetings. Members of the regional focus groups were asked to review the manual for its applicability, develop comments, and provide recommendations to DEP. The input provided by the regional focus groups ensured that the contents of the manual, including recommended approaches, methodologies and best management practices are regionally sensitive and applicable.
A second round of regional focus group meetings will be held to discuss the comments and recommendations provided by each regional focus group member. If necessary, a third meeting will be held to ensure that all the recommendations and suggestions provided by the regional focus groups are given full and thorough consideration. All meetings are open to the public. The dates and times of the second round of meetings are as follows:
February 28, 2005 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW
DEP Northeast Regional Office
Susquehanna Room A&B
2 Public Square
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711March 2, 2005 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
DEP Northwest Regional Office
First Floor Conference Room B
230 Chestnut Street
Meadville, PA 16335
March 3, 2005 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Westmoreland County Conservation District
211 Donohoe Road
Greensburg, PA 15601March 7, 2005 10:00AM - 4:00 PM
DEP Southeast Regional Office
Delaware & Schuylkill River Rooms
2 East Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401March 10, 2005 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DEP Northcentral Regional Office
Goddard Room, Suite 101
208 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701March 11, 2005 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
DEP Southcentral Regional Office
Susquehanna Room A&B
909 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110March 15, 2005 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DEP Northeast Regional Office
Susquehanna Room A&B
2 Public Square
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711
Persons in need of accommodations as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact DEP at 717-772-5963, or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may accommodate their needs.
Questions concerning the above regional focus group meetings should be directed to Dennis Stum, Bureau of Watershed Management, at 717-772-5963, or by e-mail at dstum@state.pa.us.
KATHLEEN A. McGINTY
Secretary