HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 6, 2003 -- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty Monday announced the appointment of six Regional Water Resources Committees.
Each committee will help guide the development of a new State Water Plan for Pennsylvania as required by the Water Resources Planning Act (Act 220 of 2002).
"The regional committees represent Pennsylvania's geographic diversity. They will work to develop the regional components of the overall plan while examining areas of critical need," McGinty said. "The input provided by each of these individuals will ensure our State Water Plan reflects both regional and statewide needs. Not only will the plan protect the environment and keep residents healthy, but it also will help to fuel the economy."
The Waters Resources Planning Act requires DEP to develop a new State Water Plan over the next five years working with regional committees and a statewide committee. Members include a broad representation of business and industry, agriculture, local government and environmental interests.
Through an open public process, the six regional committees will compile and review water-use data, take public comment, identify where existing and potential water-use conflicts and water quality issues may occur, and create recommendations for the State Water Plan. The committees will make recommendations to the Statewide Water Resources Committee, which then will establish the approach and policies to guide the planning process. The statewide committee will have a formal review and approval role of the updated State Water Plan.
The 18-member statewide committee will be comprised of six members drawn from the regional committees and 12 members appointed by the governor - all of them representing a wide range of interests. Formation of the statewide committee is still being finalized.
The State Water Plan will be designed to provide up-to-date information on water availability, an assessment and projection of water use and future demands on a watershed basis, identification of critical water planning areas where water demands are projected to exceed available water supplies, and the development of critical area resource plans for these areas.
For more information on water resources visit DEP's website at www.dep.state.pa.us.
