In 2023, BWA pledges to continue to advocate for clean and abundant water, but we need help!
The Poconos are now impacted by dozens of plans for large scale industrial development, but state and federal permitting agencies like the DEP cannot be relied upon alone to protect water quality from degradation. The primary authority to protect water quality rests with decisions made by the local elected Municipal Board of Supervisors.
5 ways that local elected municipal boards determine the future of clean water in the watershed:
1. Zoning is the single most important factor. All interested parties are strongly encouraged to learn about their local municipal zoning map. Ask questions like: What percent of impervious surfaces are allowed in certain districts? What are the permitted uses in these zoning districts?
2. Sewage – Municipalities control where and how much human sewage may be generated in their township, and how it's processed. They vote on Sewage Planning Modules, and/or Act 537 plans.
3. Wetland and Stream Buffers – The municipal boards have the primary authority to protect critical forested buffer zones around wetlands from encroachment. No permits are required through the DEP to negatively impact wetland buffers.
4. Development in Floodplains. Municipal boards have the primary authority to protect sensitive floodplain habitat through changes to zoning maps and ordinances.
5. Percent Impervious Surfaces – Municipalities primarily control how much meadow or forested land can be converted into roofs, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces.
There are 17 municipalities in the Brodhead watershed. Please consider attending local municipal meetings and learning about what changes are being voted on in your local area. All meetings, discussions, and documents/information presented at the meetings are open to the public and part of the public record. You can find out when municipal meetings are held by visiting your township's website.
