During a recent meeting of the Delaware County Conservation District, officials discussed significant advancements in stormwater management planning, particularly the initiation of a Phase 1 grant for an Act 167 stormwater plan. This comprehensive plan aims to analyze and model all watersheds across the county, addressing critical issues such as water quality, groundwater recharge, and stream bank erosion.

Mike, a representative involved in the project, highlighted the importance of engaging local municipalities through a Watershed Plan Advisory Committee (WAPAC). This committee will ensure that the plan is both realistic and implementable, drawing on local knowledge to inform recommendations. Four initial meetings have already been held with representatives from all 49 municipalities in the county.

The current phase focuses on scoping and identifying data needs, with a particular emphasis on creating a unified stormwater management system. Currently, municipalities vary widely in their stormwater management documentation, ranging from detailed CAD maps to basic paper maps. The goal is to consolidate this information to enhance modeling accuracy and identify potential problem areas.

Officials acknowledged that existing stormwater plans are outdated and not compliant with state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards. The new countywide plan aims to rectify this, providing a streamlined approach for future updates and ensuring consistent recommendations across the county.

Looking ahead, Mike plans to apply for Phase 2 funding in August, which would allow for more intensive modeling and data collection. While a specific timeline for the completion of the overall plan remains uncertain, it is anticipated that significant progress could be made within the next year.

The meeting also touched on the potential for municipalities to receive funding to implement aspects of the new stormwater management plan, similar to initiatives seen in neighboring states. Officials expressed a commitment to exploring funding opportunities to support local governments in enhancing their stormwater management practices.