DEP Awards Grant from Clean Water Fund to York County Planning Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection today announced it is awarding a $35,000 grant to fund a project in York County that will help integrate water resource planning activities and streamline permitting processes related to water resources management.

The project, developed by the York County Planning Commission, will "web enable" the York County Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP).  They will also make it available as a model and template to all Pennsylvania counties. 

"York County's IWRP is innovative and has the potential to help municipalities and other entities develop projects that will help curb pollution discharged to Pennsylvania waters," DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner said. "We are excited to be part of this effort."

The York County IWRP offers a variety of tools for users to understand the interconnection of water-related components that are critical to project implementation, including regulations; studies; plans; and their relationship to environmental resource management; land use; citizen health and safety; and other important topics.

Specifically, the flow chart component provides a step-by-step guide for public or private entities implementing activities such as the placement of stormwater controls or the design and planning of large construction projects. The IWRP helps provide information on project needs from beginning to end, while ensuring that necessary plans are referenced; appropriate agencies are contacted; pertinent issues are considered; and that the applicant applies for all required permits.

Education and outreach are important components of the plan and will be provided to get as many as five counties up and running by the end of 2012. The York County Planning Commission will train interested counties in using the IWRP and can be reached at 717-771-9870 or through their website at http://www.ycpc.org/.

For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 717-772-4785.

Media Contact: Lisa Kasianowitz, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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