Section 2. Schuylkill Resources That Need Protection or Enhancement
WATER RESOURCE
PROTECTION IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES
The need for integrated planning and management of both ground and surface
water resources, particularly in developing communities, is becoming increasingly
recognized in the watershed. The Delaware River Basin Commission is preparing
an integrated comprehensive water resources plan for the entire Basin, and
similar community-based initiatives are also underway.
For example, the Green Valleys Association’s (GVA) Sustainable Watershed Management Program (SWM) seeks to establish water-based carrying capacities for developing communities. SWM emphasizes the importance of recharging storm water to the groundwater table, and recycling wastewater by land application rather than stream discharge. Using its SWM methodology, GVA is assisting watershed communities in rapidly developing northern Chester County. More communities need to become involved in integrated water resource management planning.
Approximately 33 watershed municipalities have Environmental Advisory Councils (EACs). Initially authorized by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1973, such councils may be created by municipalities to advise elected officials on natural resource protection. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council maintains a membership support network and provides technical assistance to EACs across the Commonwealth. EACs can play a particularly important role in helping communities consider the environmental consequences of their land-use decisions.
Figure
21.
Sustainable Watershed Initiative in Northern Chester County
Source: Green Valleys Association
Schuylkill tributaries in northern Chester County and other parts of the watershed are under major threats from suburban sprawl in developing communities. Green Valleys Association is working with municipalities in northern Chester County to help them protect their streams and groundwater resources.
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