Extensive Storm Damage Prompts Counties to Update Storm water Management Plans

In the last decade, Northeastern Pennsylvania has suffered almost $700 million in property damage from floods. Despite this, eight of the 11 counties covered by the DEP's northeastern office have failed to update their stormwater management plans as required by law.

Stormwater management plans, required by Act 167 of 1978, address areas like parking lots or abandoned mines that could contribute to flooding. Since 1987, when the stormwater plans were supposed to be completed, no county in Pennsylvania has been in full compliance, according to PA DEP. Most municipalities have their own stormwater management ordinances, but the role of a county plan is to provide more regional-based planning efforts, and to provide an example for municipalities' ordinances. The lack of plans also has consequences beyond flooding damage. Without help from the county, it is more difficult for municipalities to coordinate with state and federal officials to get funding for projects that cross their borders. 

Wilkes-Barre Citizen's Voice, August 20, 2007 http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18726935&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6

F. X. Browne, Inc. has experience in compiling successful Act 167 Plans and developing stormwater management ordinances. For more information, contact info@fxbrowne.com.