New Stream Assessment Methodology Proposed By DEP

On September 28, 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a new draft Assessment and Listing Methodology for evaluating the water quality of Pennsylvania streams and impaired waters.  The methodology and its various protocols form the basis for designating stream segments according to their use attainment status.  Such designations can directly influence the economic viability of impacted land development projects.  For example, Category 5 waters are impaired by pollutants and require a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to correct the impairment.  When TMDLs are imposed, development along that waterway can be limited, because water discharges must comply with the TMDL.