Chesapeake Bay Program
Feb. 1, 2010
Compliance Plan for Industrial Waste Dischargers
April 24, 2007
DEP has prepared new guidelines for sewage facilities planning as well as permitting for wastewater treatment facilities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Documents relating to Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy, Point Source Implementation Plan, include the following:
Dec. 29, 2006
Following a year of extensive stakeholder meetings and public input, the Department of Environmental Protection will publish the final version of its Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits - Policy and Guidelines along with Appendix A which provides nutrient trading criteria specific to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and three attachments to Appendix A that include the Point Source Allocation Strategy, Overview of Wastewater Planning Program Procedures, and the Overview of the Agriculture Sector’s Participation in Nutrient Trading. These documents will be noticed as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Dec. 30, 2006.
A comment response document for comments submitted October- December 2005 and those submitted November - December 2006 will be addressed by the department in a separate Comment and Response document that will be posted below and on the Department’s Nutrient Trading website shortly.
Documents being posted as final include the following:
Please note, that the availability of these documents will be posted to eLIBRARY and will be in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Dec. 30, 2006. To find the documents posted on the eLIBRARY please use the following link:
eLIBRARY
Questions regarding these documents should be directed to Ann Smith at 717-772-4785 or at the e-mail address provided previously.
Nov. 22, 2006
Please note, that the availability for public comment regarding the draft “Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits- Policy and Guidelines” will be posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Nov. 25, 2006. The documents posted to eLIBRARY are the same documents that were posted to this website on Nov. 15, 2006. Again, the comment period for these documents ends Dec. 15, 2006. To find the documents posted on the eLIBRARY please use the following link:
eLIBRARY
Nov. 15, 2006
The department is accepting comments on the draft “Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits- Policy and Guidelines” that provides revisions to the Interim Final Policy and Appendix, previously published in October 2005 and on the implementation approaches contained in the attachments.
DEP notes that it is disinclined to adopt subsection b of the Point Source Attachment 1. This provision would allow a point source which has reduced nutrient levels to 8 mg/l TN and 1 mg/l TP to make an annual cash payment to the department in lieu of directly purchasing nutrient reduction credits for the remaining reductions needed to meet the lower 6mg/l TN and .8mg/l TP limits recommended by the PSWG. The department questions the need for or desirability of the department acting as a middle-man for the purchase of credits, now that the web-based nutrient trading marketplace is functional. The approach runs counter to the strong recommendations from the Steering Committee and other experts, in favor of allowing the free market to achieve the most cost effective reductions.
DEP has the responsibility to ensure compliance with federal and state water quality standards and may implement measures different from, or beyond those set forth in this policy, as may be necessary or appropriate.
Please note that the Interim Final Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits - Policy and Guidelines (Interim Final Policy) has been previously open for public comment. As all previous comments remain under the department for consideration, please limit submissions to new comments not previously submitted. Additional comments on the policy will be accepted from Nov. 15 with the final opportunity for comment on Dec. 15. This notice of availability for public comment will also be posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Nov. 25.
Documents being posted for public comment include the following:
Interested persons may submit written comments on this Draft Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits- Policy and Guidelines document by Dec. 15. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. The department will accept comments submitted by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Planning Office, P. O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063 or by e-mail to Ann Smith at annsmith@state.pa.us.
Questions regarding this guidance document should be directed to Ann Smith at 717-772-4785 or at the e-mail address provided previously.
Oct. 11, 2006
Over the last nine months, the Department of Environmental Protection has convened a series of meetings with the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee. In response to concerns over the details of the implementation of the Tributary Strategies, the Steering Committee formed five workgroups of key stakeholders. Those workgroups focused on Agriculture, Point Sources, Nutrient Trading, Development and Land Use Planning. These workgroups were assigned tasks by the steering committee that will provide guidance for the implementation of the Tributary Strategy.
These working groups have now come to conclusions on many of the assigned tasks. I would like to invite everyone back together for an update on the progress of the implementation. The meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee is scheduled for Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St. in Harrisburg. This meeting will serve as one of the final opportunities to gain a better understanding and provide comments on the direction DEP intends to take incorporating the recommendations into the on the ground implementation of the program prior to moving forward rather quickly.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. John Hines of Deputy Secretary Cathleen Curran Myers’ staff by email at johines@state.pa.us or by phone at 717-783-4693.
Aug. 7, 2006
Please note that additional workgroup status reports and work products have been updated to include any documents produced as of July 31, 2006.
July 12, 2006
The Point Source workgroup was task to evaluate potential alternative approaches to implementation of the Pennsylvania’s Tributary Strategy, with the provision of remaining under the overall nutrient reduction “cap load.” The workgroup focused on individual discharger cap loads, anticipated cost, availability of treatment technology and implementation timeframe.
In late June, the results of those discussions were presented to the Steering Committee with a recommendation that they be distributed to the affected “significant” dischargers for review and comment. Secretary McGinty and the Steering Committee agreed to that approach.
Attached are the results of the Point Source Workgroups efforts. (Documents are in PDF format and open in new window)
- PSWG WLA Proposal - A proposal that explains the rationale for having plants treat to 6 mg/l N and .8 mg/l P at design flow, rather than 8 mg/l N and 1 mg/l P at their 2010 flow.
- Appendix A, Phased Permitting Approach.
- Appendix B, Estimated cost projections.
Comments should be submitted by Aug. 26, 2006 to: Dana Aunkst at Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation, P.O. Box 8774, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774.
July 12, 2006
Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee Meeting
To pull together the work of the Steering Committee and the workgroups, one additional meeting has been scheduled. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for:
July 21, 2006
10 a.m. to 1p.m.
Room 105
Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. John Hines of Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers’ staff at 717-783-4693.
June 13, 2006
Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee Meeting
As you may be aware, the Point Source Workgroup has pulled together an alternative allocation strategy. There has been much discussion regarding this strategy and I would like to pull everyone together to formally discuss it.
A combined Point Source/Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled for June 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Room 105, of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., Harrisburg.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Andrew Zemba or Ms. Ann Smith of Deputy Secretary Cathleen Curran Myers' staff at 717-772-4785.
Ann Smith
DEP- Water Planning Office
May 18, 2006
Due to scheduling conflicts, the scheduled time for the May 26 Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee meeting is being changed. The meeting will still take place on May 26 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, but will now be held 12-3 p.m.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. John Hines of Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers’ staff at 717-783-4693.
April 21, 2006
Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers will be holding two additional meetings to discuss and obtain feedback on implementation issues related to the Tributary Strategy, as well as our permitting procedures. The goal is to share ideas to improve predictability and assure that compliance obligations do not upset your development plans and schedules. Additionally, we hope to obtain your feedback on our efforts.
The upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
- May 1, 2006, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Susquehanna Room A, North East Regional Office Building, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA
- May 18, 2006, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton York, 1650 Toronita Street, York, PA.
To confirm your attendance or if you have any questions please contact Ann Smith of the Water Planning Office at 717-772-4785.
April 21, 2006
Nutrient Reduction Technology Conference Held
The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation (DEP) partnered with the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) to hold a two-day conference on Nutrient Reduction Strategies for Wastewater Treatment on April 5 and 6. The conference was held at the Days Inn Conference Center in Danville. There was standing room only with over 200 people attendees.
Dana Aunkst, Chief of the Division of Planning and Permits, provided an overview of current policies on the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy; Foster Diodato, Chief of the Technical Services Section, provided a brief overview of a proposed subclass for nutrient reduction for wastewater treatment system operator certification; Tom Brown, Water Quality Operations Group Leader provided a half day class on the principles of nitrification and denitrification; Lenny Gold, the Maryland Center of Environmental Training, presented another half day class on system retrofits and upgrades for nutrient reduction. Brian Book, HRG Consulting, provided examples of wastewater treatment systems in PA who have successfully implemented nutrient reduction technologies. The conference ended with a tour of the Sunbury Wastewater Treatment System. In addition, 15 vendors specializing in nutrient reduction technologies came with exhibits and displays and provided brief ten minute presentations on their services and equipment. Operators who attended the conference received six hours of continuing education credit.
An abbreviated version of the session is planned as part of the PWEA 78th PENNTEC conference in July 16-19, Penn Stater, State College. In addition, DEP is also exploring the possibility of holding the workshop again in the fall somewhere in the southcentral area of the state. In addition a CD is now available with three videos on nitrification and denitrification, activated sludge treatment and chemical feed systems. Training workbooks related to activated sludge and nutrient removal are also included on the CD. To request a copy of this CD, please contact Ned Sterling, the Division of Technical and Financial Assistance, at 717-787-0122. For further information on this initiative, you can also contact Tom Brown at 814-472-1878.
April 5, 2006
Over the past few months, the Department of Environmental Protection has convened a series of meetings to continue our efforts in coordinating initiatives to meet nutrient and sediment obligations as part of Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.
Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers will be holding a series of meetings with developers and consultants to discuss and obtain feedback on implementation issues related to the Tributary Strategy, as well as the departments permitting procedures. The goal is to share ideas to improve predictability and assure that the compliance obligations does not upset development plans and schedules.
The upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
- April 11, 2006, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Goddard Room, North Central Regional Office Building, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport.
- April 12, 2006, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Conference Room, DEP Lab Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. It is hoped that your schedule will permit you to participate.
To confirm your attendance or if you have any questions please contact Ann Smith of the Water Planning Office at 717-772-4785.
March 30, 2006
Questions and Answers: Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy
This DEP Fact Sheet provides answers to many of the questions about the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy that stakeholders have posed over recent months.
March 24, 2006
During the months of January, February and March the Department of Environmental Protection convened a series of meetings with the Tributary Strategy Steering Committee. These meetings were held to continue the Department’s efforts to coordinate and discuss with multiple stakeholders the Department’s initiatives to meet Pennsylvania’s nutrient and sediment obligations set forth in the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.
To continue the work of the Steering Committee and the workgroups, two additional meetings have been scheduled. As a Department we would like to continue the efforts of our partners and workgroups so we will hold two additional meetings. The upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
- April 13, 2006, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg.
- May 26, 2006, 10a.m. to 1 p.m., Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg.
Feb. 13, 2006
Please note that the Chesapeake Bay Steering Committee Meeting scheduled for Friday February 17, 2006 is being postponed. This postponement will provide the various sub-committees additional time to work through their various issues. The next meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Steering Committee will be March 3, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building.
Feb. 10, 2006
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Katie McGinty has begun to hold Tributary Strategy Steering Committee Meetings to continue the Department’s efforts to work with various groups to discuss the initiatives needed to meet Pennsylvania’s nutrient and sediment reduction obligations. The meetings are to build on actions being taken to address Pennsylvania’s water quality challenges, and to spur innovative and new approaches that could be implemented as next steps in ensuring that the Commonwealth efficiently and economically addresses its obligations to help protect and restore Pennsylvania's streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
The meetings are scheduled for:
- Jan. 24, 2006, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg;
- Feb. 1, 2006, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg;
- Feb. 17, 2006, 9 a.m. to 12 noon (Postponed -- see note above)
Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg;
- March 3, 2006, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Room 105, Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg. Meeting documents include the following:
Jan. 26, 2006
Powerpoint Presentation: "How the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Partners Reached Agreement on Nutrient and Sediment Load Reductions and Caps", Richard Batiuk, U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office
Dec. 09, 2005
The table below is a listing of the target or initially estimated cap loads. These estimates are preliminary and do not constitute final or draft effluent limitations. The estimates reflect the best information DEP has been able to gather to date and should be used for planning purposes only. Each individual permit will be reviewed during the permit renewal process to verify or modify the actual cap load for the permit. The derivation of the specific cap loads will be documented in the Water Quality Protection Reports developed for each individual permit, and will be based on the information available at the time of the permit application. Applicants and interested persons will have an opportunity to provide comments on the limits when they are established in the permit application process.
The estimated cap loads are annual maximum mass loading values. They were calculated using the 2010 projected flow as shown and an annual average treatment level of 8 mg/l for Total Nitrogen (TN) and 1 mg/l for Total Phosphorus (TP). The 2010 projected flow values were calculated using the facility-specific wasteload management (Chapter 94) reports for 2000 - 2004 and the projections contained therein.
Governor Rendell (center) was elected Chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council at the Jan. 10 meeting at Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac River.
Gov. Rendell unveils Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.
This press release announces the unveiling of Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy. Governor Edward G. Rendell today unveiled "Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy" at the annual meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council, where the Governor became the state's first chief executive to be named chairman. The Strategy consists of a wide-ranging water quality initiative designed to clean up the state's rivers and streams, enhance the health of families and preserve the rural character and farming economy of Pennsylvania. The initiative is the state's official plan to meet the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement goals for nutrient and sediment reduction in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public meeting for the purpose of presenting information on the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy at the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Steering Committee meeting on Jan. 27, 2004 at 3:00pm in room 105 of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. DEP Regional offices will conduct public meetings on the Tributary Strategy by early spring.
Pennsylvania Unveils Draft Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy:
This press release announces the unveiling of Pennsylvania's Draft Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Executive Summary. Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers unveiled the Draft Strategy at the August 12, 2004 meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Chesapeake Executive Council. The Draft Strategy outlines the plan to reduce nutrient and sediment loadings in the Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds. It focuses on the best management practices and the point source reductions that will be necessary to meet Pennsylvania's goals established by the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. DEP Regional Offices will conduct public outreach through the summer and fall to receive comment on the strategy and recommendations for new program initiatives to put it into action. A final strategy will be published in December.
Additional background information is provided in the following DEP Fact Sheets:
