County-Based Action Teams
Pennsylvania and neighboring states continue to work to clean up our shared waters. This effort is part of the Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (Phase 3 WIP). The state is working with interested parties in the 43 counties whose local waters run to the Chesapeake Bay to create Countywide Action Plans. These plans will outline how the county’s share of the state’s 2025 pollution reduction goals are met.
Successful planning depends on a diverse group of local participants getting involved. This planning can help your community solve local problems while meeting its share of the state’s goals. Following through will lead to vibrant local communities and economies.
The state believes that the path to success starts at the local level. You understand your own community, economy, waterways, and challenges better than anybody. If you choose to get involved in this process, you will have a say in how the County’s pollution reduction goals are met. You can shape the mix of solutions that are chosen within your county. It’s an opportunity for you to make a difference for your community.
Benefits of Success
- You retain control of your agenda for local water resources
- You identify new pollution and flood reduction solutions
- You identify previously unknown grant and cost-share opportunities
Consequences of Failure
- Missed opportunities to address local water pollution and flooding
- More regulation and government oversight
- Higher costs for compliance
Countywide Planning Process
On September 16, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted its Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) webinar, Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities, to kick-off the countywide planning process with the Tier 2 Counties (Bedford, Centre, Cumberland and Lebanon). DEP has provided a Community Clean Water Planning Guide to county leaders that describes the local planning process and information about the Phase 3 WIP, statewide initiatives and countywide expectations. County leaders were asked to review the planning guide and share the recorded webinar when reaching out to county partners and asking them to become more involved in the local planning process.
County-By-County Information
