PLAN COMING TOGETHER
Group addressing storm water management regulations

Almost two dozen Potter County townships and boroughs were represented during an organizational meeting held last week to begin drafting aggressive storm water management regulations across the county.

The process is being driven by the Potter County Planning Commission (PCPC) to meet Pa. Act 167 regulations. Townships and boroughs that fail to comply could lose their liquid fuels revenue and other state aid.

Eventually, they'll need to pass ordinances that require storm water management plans to be approved before land development is permitted.

PCPC has contracted with HRG Inc. of State College to advise the county and municipalities. That company is being paid through a state grant and in-kind services provided by the Planning Office.

HRG's Doug Weikel addressed about 25 municipal officials attending the organizational meeting. Most of them are serving on a new Watershed Plan Advisory Committee open to all 33 townships and boroughs in the county.

Weikel said state officials have changed their approach to storm water management to prevent flooding and protect water quality. As a result of land development, paving and other man-made changes, nature's water cycle has been interrupted, he said.

"There is a lot more water running off than there used to be and it comes a lot faster," Weikel pointed out. "At the same time, we have built in the flood plain, so more properties are in jeopardy of flooding."

Potter County Planning Director Charlotte Dietrich organized last week and is serving as point person for the storm water management plan. She can be reached at 274-8254.