Statement of the Problem

The Chesapeake Bay TMDL requires a reduction in nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment loadings from Lancaster County watersheds to the Chesapeake Bay. The population of Lancaster County and population of the Bay watershed are growing. Financial resources to address water quality issues are becoming scarcer and efforts to reduce pollutant loads are scattered and not well documented. If Pennsylvania is not able to demonstrate significant reductions in pollutant loadings from urban, suburban and rural point and non-point sources we are likely to experience more restrictive environmental regulations which may lead to constraints on new development and increase the costs of sewer services and housing in general. More restrictive regulations will also increase development pressure in rural areas, increase farm operating costs, reduce the viability of the agricultural economy and impede the implementation of Balance.

From: Lancaster County Planning Commission Integrated Water Resources Plan, Water Quality Group, Draft, 2011.

“We are making 21st century demands on 18th and 19th riparian landscapes.”

Riparian Corridors as Farmland

Riparian Corridors and Transportation

Image: Dr. Andrew deWet, Department of Earth and EnvironmentFranklin & Marshall College

Riparian Corridors and Housing

Riparian Corridors and Sewer Infrastructure

Image: Dr. Andrew deWet, Department of Earth and EnvironmentFranklin & Marshall College

Image: Dr. Andrew deWet, Department of Earth and EnvironmentFranklin & Marshall College

Image: Dr. Andrew deWet, Department of Earth and EnvironmentFranklin & Marshall College

Image: Michael Rahnis: Department of Earth and Environment, Franklin & Marshall College

Image: Michael Rahnis: Department of Earth and Environment, Franklin & Marshall College

Integrated water resources management addresses transportation, storm water, infrastructure, restoration and land use issues within the riparian

corridor