Water issues are becoming more important to York County and its municipalities. Due to the complexity of these issues and the impact they are having on the county, municipalities and residents, YCPC has dedicated a page on our site solely to water topics of interest. YCPC is pro-actively engaged in the development of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP). Efforts evolving out of this Plan are closely linked to the implementation of York County’s Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) and municipal stormwater requirements resulting from the Stormwater Management Act 167 and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs. YCPC has embarked on a municipal education/outreach effort in an attempt to help York County municipalities achieve their stormwater obligations and goals. The following topics cover stormwater . . . from your municipality, to the county, to the state, all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. Municipal Stormwater Responsibility In accordance with Section 11(b) of Act 167, each municipality in the County must enact or amend, and implement, a Stormwater Management Ordinance as necessary to regulate development in a manner consistent with the IWRP by October 12, 2011. Municipalities are encouraged to use the model ordinance included with the IWRP. A copy of the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance, in both .doc and .pdf format, is also available on the Publications section of this website. MS4 Requirements Stormwater is the surface runoff that results from rain and snow melt. Urban development alters natural hydrologic characteristics of the land and generates a host of pollutants that are associated with the activities of urban populations, thus causing an increase in stormwater runoff volumes and pollutant loadings in stormwater discharged to receiving waterbodies. Urban development increases the amount of impervious surface in a watershed as farmland, forests, meadowlands, and agricultural land uses are converted to other land uses. Land with natural hydrologic characteristics becomes occupied by buildings with rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots with virtually no ability to absorb stormwater.   Related Documents & Links: DEP MS4 Fact Sheet Model Stormwater Management Ordinance Model Water Supply/Well Testing Ordinance National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharges From Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) General Permit (PAG-13) County Water Resources Plan The Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) component of the York County Comprehensive Plan, was adopted by the County Board of Commissioners on March 2, 2011 and was subsequently submitted to PA DEP for review. On April 15, 2011, PA DEP submitted a letter to the County stating that it had found the County’s IWRP to be consistent with the purpose and policy of the Storm Water Management Act and thereby approved the IWRP pursuant to Act 167. Thus, the IWRP serves as both the County Plan for a Reliable Supply of Water, as required by the PA MPC (Act 247), and the County Stormwater Management Plan, as required by the PA Stormwater Management Act (Act 167). Each municipality in the County has been provided with a copy of the adopted and approved IWRP. In addition, it can also be accessed under the Publications section of this website.   Related Documents & Links: York County Act 167 Plan Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) Stormwater Management Planning Perspectives (IWRP, by staff of YCPC) State Pennsylvania Act 167 Plan The York County Planning Commission is responsible for preparation of Stormwater Management plans (Act 167 Plan) for each designated watershed in York County, Pennsylvania. Act 167 Stormwater Management Plans are required by the Stormwater Management Act of 1978 to provide sound engineering standards and criteria which can be incorporated into local codes and ordinances. These plans ensure proper management of stormwater runoff from new development on a watershed basis. Although the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, authorizes municipalities to voluntarily prepare ordinances that may include provisions for Stormwater Planning, Act 167 Plans require ordinance adoption that considers stormwater effects outside of municipal boundaries.   Related Documents & Links: PA Stormwater Information PA DEP Stormwater Management Fact Sheet DEP MS4 Fact Sheet Chesapeake Bay DEP's Chesapeake Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Phase II The Division met with Pennsylvania leaders from local organizations, such as conservation districts, municipalities, planning commissions and authorities, in order to devise the Phase II WIP. The department's general approach was to engage groups in discussions about the level of effort needed to meet TMDL goals. The discussions resulted in the department receiving valuable new input and ideas that shaped the formation of this draft Phase II WIP.   Related Documents & Links: Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Phase II Chesapeake Bay Timeline Our Outreach/Education Efforts Watershed Planning Advisory Committee (WPAC) Meeting, March 30, 2010 Watershed Planning Advisory Committee (WPAC) Meeting, June 24, 2010 Stormwater Forum, March 29, 2012           Contact Information For additional information, see the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website, or contact YCPC Staff involved in Watershed Planning Activities: Terry Ruby, John Seitz or Mike Shaffer.