Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Act167 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lancaster County stormwater plan could change local ordinances; supervisors briefed on Act 167 countywide approach
Summary
Staff and supervisors discussed a county‑led update to the Act 167 stormwater management plan that would produce countywide model ordinances, likely include MS4 controls and require municipal cost‑shares; county estimates a ~$400,000 study with roughly 75% grant funding and an outstanding local share discussed at about $92,000.
Township planning staff and supervisors discussed Lancaster County’s effort to produce a countywide Act 167 stormwater management plan during the Oct. 16 East Cocalico Township supervisors meeting.
Staff explained that instead of each municipality preparing an individual Act 167 plan, Lancaster County is proposing a single countywide plan that would be submitted in phases to the state for review and ultimately produce template ordinances local municipalities could adopt. The county approach is intended to reduce duplicate consultant costs and to ensure a consistent regulatory framework across municipalities, staff said.
Officials noted the county estimates the total planning effort at roughly $400,000, of which about 75% could be covered by a state grant, leaving an estimated local remainder of about $92,000 to be allocated among municipalities. Supervisors discussed an illustrative split that would be roughly $2,000 per municipality if costs were divided equally, though no commitment was made at the meeting.
Speakers emphasized the plan will address stormwater flow, peak‑flow analysis and emerging concerns tied to high‑intensity short‑duration storm events. Staff also noted the county’s draft will incorporate MS4 minimum control measures for communities that must comply with MS4 permits.
Supervisors raised concerns about shifting State implementation priorities over time and the risk that final state rules could require more stringent local measures than currently expected. Planning staff recommended including a modest contingency in next year’s budget in case municipalities are asked to contribute to the countywide planning cost.
No formal funding commitment was taken at the Oct. 16 meeting; staff said they will share meeting schedules and additional details as the county work proceeds.
