We need your help to flood your legislators with letters and faxes urging him to support 100 foot stream buffers on all streams in Pennsylvania.

Instead of supporting Clean Water Action's proposal to require at least 100 foot buffers on all streams in our state, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now proposing just a voluntary program. They would encourage developers to include buffers on their sites by agreeing to eliminate state review of stormwater plans that include buffers.

What's wrong with a voluntary buffers program?

A voluntary program will have a limited impact and is not an adequate substitute for a statewide requirement. DEP already has a voluntary program in place – its Stormwater BMP Handbook includes an incentive program that gives credits to developers who include buffers in their site design. However, this sort of voluntary program will only end up protecting buffers on a small number of streams in the state, leaving the vast majority of our streams still at risk of pollution, erosion and flooding due to stormwater runoff.

Why buffers will benefit our communities and our streams

• Decreased flooding and flood damage
• Increased property values
• cleaner drinking water
• less pollution
• healthier streams to support fish and recreation
• lower drinking water treatment costs

Take Action: Send an e-mail to your state legislators telling them that you support mandatory stream buffers and that they should write to Governor Ed Rendell in support of this issue!