Stream Restoration Projects Showcased in Fishing Creek Watershed

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joined with the Donegal chapter of Trout Unlimited to highlight stream restoration projects in the Fishing Creek watershed, which is part of the larger Chesapeake Bay watershed.

"Protecting and improving water quality is critical, not just for the environment but also for public health," said Jill Whitcomb, director of the Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management at DEP. "Conservation also takes strong partnerships with organizations like Trout Unlimited, and programs like EPA's Section 319 grant program, to put these projects on the ground and improve our streams and rivers."

The projects were located at Camp Andrews in Holtwood, Lancaster County, and were examples of projects that improve stream health by reducing erosion and pollution runoff into streams. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) at Camp Andrews will prevent an estimated 182 tons of sediment, 228 lbs. of nitrogen, and 85 lbs. of phosphorus from impacting downstream waterways and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

"Farmers and landowners recognize that conservation of local soil and water resources are critical to their families, farms, and neighbors downstream," said Bob Kutz, serving with the Trout Unlimited Conservation Committee. "By working together with members of our Lancaster community and partners we can clean up our streams for people, benefit wildlife habitat, and the wild trout we love to see in local waterways."

Since 1999, the Section 319 program has provided more than $69 million to support over 400 projects in dozens of counties. The program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through Section 319(h) of the federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Section 319 grant projects can include streambank restoration, dam removal, and acid mine drainage treatment, among other conservation practices that address non-point source pollution, or pollution that does not have a specific discharge point.

Programs like Section 319 grants, Growing Greener Plus, and the new Clean Streams Fund that was a part of the FY2022-23 budget provide funding for projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in Pennsylvania waterways and downstream.