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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2022 02:07 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Barbara Gleim |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | MS4 Data and Testing Expansion – Encouraging Accurate Watershed Storm Water Plans |
| I intend to reintroduce HB2331 of the 2021-22 session. This legislation is designed to help local communities and businesses better comply with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) standards through enhancing our data collection. Pennsylvania’s DEP has implemented federally mandated MS4 stormwater requirements since 2004 by requiring certain municipalities to have five-year MS4 permits. The stipulations of the permits rely on stormwater and water quality computer models that is often years old, and this out-of-date data costs our communities time, money, and opportunities. How can we prove our MS4 actions are working, or necessary, if we don’t have accurate data? My legislation will enhance the quality of the data DEP uses when determining a municipality’s MS4 compliance. Instead of relying on outdated models each year, the department shall utilize water quality testing results from County Conservation Districts, the Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR, the Game Commission, institutions of higher learning, or private labs accredited by DEP to perform water quality testing. Increased testing, as well as testers, will enable our communities to show DEP that we are compliant with federal EPA water quality standards. Please join me in co-sponsoring this much needed legislation. |
Introduced as HB207