We need your help to flood Governor Rendell 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.

How will buffers benefit our communities and our streams?

• Decreasing flooding and flood damage
• Increasing property values
• Providing cleaner drinking water and lower drinking water treatment costs
• Reducing pollution of our streams
• Ensuring healthier streams to support fishing and recreation
• Lowering costs for managing stormwater

Send a fax to Governor Ed Rendell and tell him that we need a mandatory stream buffers program for all streams!