An Act updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

PRINTER'S NO. 668
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 659
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY WEBSTER, MALAGARI, GIRAL, HILL-EVANS, PROBST,
FREEMAN, SANCHEZ, HOWARD, BOYD AND RIVERA, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE
PROTECTION, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
AN ACT
Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to
be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate
storm water within a watershed-based planning area;
authorizing the formation of water resources management
authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water
resources management authorities to develop integrated water
resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring
powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the
Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and
water resources management authorities; providing for
financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan
funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management
Account; and making repeals.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section 101. Short title.
Section 102. Legislative findings.
Section 103. Purposes.
Section 104. Definitions.
Chapter 2. Powers and Duties
Section 201. Powers and duties of counties.
Section 202. Powers and duties of department and Environmental
Quality Board.
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Section 203. Powers and duties of municipalities.
Section 204. Powers and duties of water resources management
authorities.
Chapter 3. Comprehensive Storm Water Management Planning
Section 301. Comprehensive storm water management planning and
management requirements.
Section 302. Review and approval or disapproval by department.
Section 303. Implementation of comprehensive storm water
management plans.
Section 304. Failure to submit and implement comprehensive
storm water management plan.
Section 305. Failure of municipalities to adopt ordinances and
implement plans.
Chapter 4. Integrated Water Resources Management Planning and
Procedure
Section 401. Water resources management coordination and
integration.
Section 402. Integrated water resources management planning
process.
Section 403. Integrated water resources management plan
requirements.
Section 404. Implementation of integrated water resources
management plans.
Section 405. Water resources management corridors.
Section 406. Failure of municipalities to adopt implementing
ordinances.
Chapter 5. Water Resources Management Authorities
Section 501. Water resources management authorities.
Section 502. Additional powers and duties of water resources
management authorities.
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Chapter 6. Rights, Remedies, Funding and Enforcement
Section 601. Duty of persons engaged in development of land.
Section 602. Funding and imposing fees on tax-exempt property.
Section 603. Entry upon land for surveys and examinations.
Section 604. Preservation of existing rights and remedies.
Section 605. Civil remedies.
Section 606. Administrative procedure and judicial review.
Section 607. Integrated Water Resources Management Account.
Section 608. Grants and reimbursements.
Section 609. Waiver of use of grant and loan funds.
Chapter 7. Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 701. Repeals.
Section 702. Effective date.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 101. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Integrated
Water Resources Restoration, Protection and Management Act.
Section 102. Legislative findings.
The General Assembly finds that:
(1) Inadequate management of storm water runoff and the
insufficient planning, coordination and integration of
regulatory programs associated with water resources
management activities cause increased flood flows and
velocities, contribute to accelerated erosion and
sedimentation, overtax the carrying capacity of streams and
storm sewers, greatly increase the cost of public facilities
to carry and control storm water and wastewater, undermine
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flood plain management and flood control efforts in
downstream communities, reduce groundwater recharge, diminish
the quality and quantity of water supplies and threaten the
environment, public health, safety and property.
(2) The Storm Water Management Act is not sufficiently
comprehensive to address the needs of this Commonwealth.
While the act provides a basis for storm water management
planning by counties on a watershed basis, additional
provisions are needed in addition to the Storm Water
Management Act requirements to provide integrated and
thorough planning and management of water resources in
watershed-based planning areas and to address current and
past water resources management problems, as well as
prospective and ongoing development.
(3) A comprehensive, integrated approach to water
resources management, building on the protections established
under The Clean Streams Law, including reasonable regulation
of development and activities causing adverse impacts to
waters of this Commonwealth, is fundamental to public health,
safety and welfare and protection of the residents of this
Commonwealth, their resources and the environment.
(4) Adequate management of this Commonwealth's water
resources requires additional legal mechanisms for
coordination and integration of water resources management
planning among State agencies and county and municipal
governments.
(5) Dedicated funding is needed to develop and implement
integrated water resources management plans to protect,
maintain, reclaim and restore this Commonwealth's water
resources and the environment and to protect public health,
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safety and property.
Section 103. Purposes.
The purposes of this act are to:
(1) Provide for more comprehensive storm water planning
and management, building on the framework found in the Storm
Water Management Act, and implementing The Clean Streams Law,
to authorize planning for and remediation of storm-water-
associated problems and integrating related water resources
management programs.
(2) Restore, reclaim, protect and maintain the water
quality, quantity and natural hydrologic regime.
(3) Regulate and, as appropriate, restrict development
in the floodways and floodplains of this Commonwealth's
rivers and streams.
(4) Preserve the carrying capacity of watercourses.
(5) Protect, maintain, reclaim and restore surface
waters and groundwaters of this Commonwealth.
(6) Protect the natural resources, environmental rights
and values secured by the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
(7) Authorize counties to undertake and enforce
comprehensive, ecologically sustainable and consistent water
resources management planning.
(8) Consolidate and coordinate governmental resources.
(9) Establish a dedicated, stable and tailored funding
source.
(10) Authorize municipalities or water resources
management to undertake the activities under paragraph (7) if
a county does not elect to undertake the integrated water
resources planning or management.
(11) Encourage the regional implementation of integrated
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water resources management plans within watershed-based
planning areas to preserve and protect watershed-based
planning areas from the adverse effects of fragmented
planning related to water resources protection, water
infrastructure, wet weather and wastewater management, storm
water runoff and subsurface drainage.
(12) Authorize the creation of water resources
management authorities to enable counties and municipalities
to regulate, manage, operate and maintain activities,
facilities and development that may affect storm water runoff
or water resources within watershed-based planning areas.
(13) Regulate, implement and manage comprehensive storm
water management plans or integrated water resources
management plans within watershed-based planning areas.
(14) Undertake the planning related to the activities
under paragraphs (12) and (13) as appropriate.
(15) Encourage water resources management authorities to
utilize a comprehensive integrated water resources approach
for water resources protection, maintenance and improvement,
including quantity and quality, and other environmental
benefits.
(16) Authorize dedicated funding to develop and
implement updated, expanded and comprehensive storm water
planning and management, as well as to develop and implement
integrated water resources management plans to protect,
maintain, reclaim and restore this Commonwealth's water
resources and to protect public health, safety, property and
the environment.
Section 104. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
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have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Account." The Integrated Water Resources Management Account
established under section 607(a).
"Allowable costs." Reasonable expenses associated with
preparation, administration, implementation, revision and
enforcement of department-approved comprehensive storm water
management plans, integrated water resources management plans
and ordinances adopted in accordance with the plans, and
including storm water or integrated water resource management
best management practices operation and maintenance.
"Best management practices." Activities, facilities,
measures or procedures used to protect, maintain, reclaim and
restore the quantity and quality of waters and uses within this
Commonwealth.
"Clean Streams Law." The act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987,
No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law.
"Comprehensive storm water management plan." A storm water
management plan developed in accordance with the Storm Water
Management Act and the requirements of Chapter 3.
"Critical water planning area." An area identified under 27
Pa.C.S. § 3112(a)(6) or (d)(1) (relating to plan contents).
"Department." The Department of Environmental Protection of
the Commonwealth.
"Infrastructure." Structural elements, structural and
nonstructural management practices and operating procedures that
support drinking water, wastewater, storm water, floodplain and
other water resources management activities.
"Integrated water resources management." Implementation of
multiple statutory and regulatory planning obligations related
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to the water resources of this Commonwealth.
"Integrated water resources management plan." A plan
containing all of the elements prescribed under the Storm Water
Management Act, and the additional requirements of Chapters 3
and 4 which includes proposals for regulating activities and
development that may affect water resources and wastewater
management within the planning area.
"Land development." The subdivision of land, or the
improvement of one or more lots, tracts or parcels of land for
any purpose.
"Municipalities Planning Code." The act of July 31, 1968
(P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code.
"Municipality." Any of the following:
(1) A city, borough, incorporated town or township.
(2) Another governmental unit when acting as an agent
for a city, borough, incorporated town or township.
(3) A combination of entities specified under paragraphs
(1) and (2) acting jointly.
"Recharge." As follows:
(1) The process by which water is absorbed and is added
to the zone of saturation of a groundwater aquifer.
(2) The term includes the quantity of water that is
added to the zone of saturation.
"Remedial plan." A plan containing all of the elements
prescribed under section 301 which includes requirements for
assessment and remediation of storm-water-related problems.
"Responsible entity." A county or counties, multiple
municipalities or water resources management authority
designated to implement the comprehensive storm water management
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plan or integrated water resources management plan, or both,
including construction, operation and maintenance of associated
infrastructure.
"Storm water." Drainage runoff from the surface of the land
resulting from precipitation or snow or ice melt.
"Storm water best management practice." As follows:
(1) Activities, facilities, measures or procedures used
to protect, maintain, reclaim and restore the quantity and
quality of waters and uses within this Commonwealth as
approved by the department.
(2) The term includes plans under the Storm Water
Management Act or other plans, treatment requirements,
operating procedures and practices to manage and control the
rate, volume and water quality of storm water runoff.
"Storm Water Management Act." The act of October 4, 1978
(P.L.864, No.167), known as the Storm Water Management Act.
"Storm water management plan." A plan for storm water
management prepared and adopted by a county in accordance with
the Storm Water Management Act.
"Submitting agency." A county, counties, multiple
municipalities or a water resources management authority which
elects to develop and submit an integrated water resources
management plan, in accordance with the requirements of section
401(a), to the department for approval under this act.
"Subsurface drainage." Drainage runoff which occurs below
the surface of the ground resulting from precipitation or snow
or ice melt.
"Water resources management authority." A body politic and
corporate created under the former act of May 2, 1945 (P.L.382,
No.164), known as the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945, 53
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Pa.C.S. Ch. 56 (relating to municipal authorities) or section
501 for the purpose of planning, constructing, operating,
maintaining, managing and regulating storm water or integrated
water resources management structures, practices and activities.
"Water resources management planning." Planning based on
watershed areas to protect, maintain, reclaim and restore the
quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater and the
physical, chemical and biological characteristics of bodies of
water from the effects of past and future activities and
development while assuring sustainable supplies of clean water
to meet current and future needs and minimizing the impact of
storm water on public health, safety, property and the
environment.
"Watershed." The entire region or area drained by a river or
other body of water, whether natural or artificial.
"Watershed-based planning area." A planning area approved by
the department and based on watershed boundaries, as well as
political boundaries or geographic considerations, that is the
focus of a comprehensive storm water management plan or
integrated water resources management plan.
CHAPTER 2
POWERS AND DUTIES
Section 201. Powers and duties of counties.
(a) Comprehensive storm water management plan.--A county
shall prepare and ensure implementation of a comprehensive storm
water management plan in accordance with section 301. In
addition to any existing powers, and consistent with the
requirements of section 401(a), the county may elect to develop
or implement an integrated water resources management plan in
accordance with Chapter 4.
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(b) Review and comment.--A county shall review and comment
on the location, design and construction within the watershed-
based planning area of facilities owned or financed, in whole or
in part, by funds from this Commonwealth, including storm water
facilities, water obstructions, flood control projects, highways
and transportation facilities and facilities for the provision
of public utility service, to assure their consistency with the
plans developed in accordance with this act. The county shall
review and take action on the submissions concurrent with the
review period as provided in Article V of the Municipalities
Planning Code.
(c) Inspection.--In accordance with plans developed under
this act, a county shall also ensure inspection of water-
resources-related facilities, provide for routine operation and
maintenance of water resources management facilities and
construct water resources management facilities.
(d) Public comment.--A county shall provide for public
comment on all proposed publicly financed water resources
capital projects undertaken in accordance with the remedial plan
requirements in Chapter 3.
(e) Compliance.--The actions of a county under this act
shall not relieve a person engaged in activities or in the
alteration or development of land of the responsibility to
comply with:
(1) the requirements of storm water ordinances of
municipalities;
(2) an approved integrated water resources management
plan;
(3) the requirements of the Storm Water Management Act;
or
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(4) the legal requirements of the other programs for
which planning will be integrated in an integrated water
resources management plan.
Section 202. Powers and duties of department and Environmental
Quality Board.
(a) Department.--The department shall have the power and
duty to:
(1) Coordinate the management of water resources in this
Commonwealth, including the authority to develop processes
and certification programs for consulting and engineering
services.
(2) Develop processes and procedures for resolving
disputes associated with comprehensive storm water integrated
water resources management planning among county and
municipal planning bodies and government agencies concerning
comprehensive storm water management plan development or
implementation.
(3) Develop guidelines and policies to implement the
purposes of this act, which may include specific
comprehensive storm water management plan or integrated water
resources management plan scope and content requirements,
model integrated water resources management plans and model
ordinances.
(4) Charge fees associated with the review of integrated
water resources management plans that reasonably reflect the
cost of review.
(5) Approve, disapprove or conditionally approve
comprehensive storm water management plans and integrated
water resources management plans.
(6) Undertake enforcement as necessary and appropriate
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and in accordance with this act.
(7) Take any other action required to carry out the
purposes and policies of this act.
(8) Upon request of a county or municipality, provide
technical assistance appropriate to accomplish the purposes
of this act.
(b) Other laws.--Nothing in this act shall be construed to
abrogate the authority of the department under any of the
environmental laws administered by the department.
(c) Board.--The Environmental Quality Board shall adopt
rules and regulations of the department as are necessary and
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this act.
Section 203. Powers and duties of municipalities.
(a) Implementation of plans.--A municipality or multiple
municipalities shall have the power and duty to implement
comprehensive storm water management plans and any applicable
integrated water resources management plan.
(b) Plan.--Consistent with the requirements of section
401(a), multiple municipalities may elect to develop an
integrated water resources management plan in accordance with
Chapter 4.
(c) Land development and activities.--Municipalities shall
regulate land development and activities consistent with the
most recent applicable approved comprehensive storm water
management plan or integrated water resources management plan
and shall adopt ordinances to implement those plans.
(d) Enforcement.--Nothing in this act shall prohibit a
municipality or county from enforcing any zoning, subdivision or
land development ordinance which the municipality or county has
adopted that is not in conflict with plans developed under this
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act.
Section 204. Powers and duties of water resources management
authorities.
(a) Plan.--Water resources management authorities shall have
the power and duty to implement and administer comprehensive
storm water management plans when so designated and to implement
and administer integrated water resources management plans when
so designated.
(b) Integrated plan.--Consistent with the requirements of
section 401(a), water resources management authorities may elect
to develop an integrated water resources management plan in
accordance with Chapter 4.
(c) Powers and duties.--Water resources management
authorities shall have the power and duty to set rates and
assess and collect fees to carry out the purposes of this act.
(d) Annual report.--Water resources management authorities
shall provide an annual report of actions and activities to the
department.
CHAPTER 3
COMPREHENSIVE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Section 301. Comprehensive storm water management planning and
management requirements.
(a) Watershed boundaries.--Comprehensive storm water
management plans shall be based on the watershed boundaries
described in plans developed in accordance with the Storm Water
Management Act, unless an alternate watershed-based planning
area is approved by the department for good cause shown.
(b) Plans and updates.--Except as provided under subsection
(e), within five years of the effective date of this subsection,
counties shall prepare or update the plans developed in
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accordance with the Storm Water Management Act and, at a
minimum, shall also prepare a remedial plan, which together
shall constitute the comprehensive storm water management plan.
At a minimum, the remedial plan must include the following:
(1) Identification and assessment of existing problems
associated with storm water runoff and subsurface drainage
and the conditions that cause or contribute to the problems.
(2) Proposed solutions to or remediation of existing
problems which take into account peak rates of storm water
runoff, the volume and velocity of storm water runoff and the
quality of the storm water runoff necessary to prevent
pollution and to protect, maintain, reclaim and restore
waters of this Commonwealth, including:
(i) A remediation and retrofit priorities list.
(ii) A prioritized schedule for implementation and
completion of the remedial plan.
(iii) A designation of the responsible entity for
implementation of the plan and operation and maintenance
of remedial infrastructure.
(3) Inventory of significant existing storm water
management facilities in the watershed, their engineering
design features, their ownership and maintenance
responsibility and an assessment of their functional
effectiveness.
(4) A program for public information, participation and
education.
(5) Provision for comprehensive storm water management
plan review and update at a minimum of every five years.
(6) Demonstration of or steps to achieve general
consistency with:
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(i) The applicable comprehensive storm water
management plans of the municipality and county enacted
under the Municipalities Planning Code.
(ii) Other existing applicable Federal, State,
interstate, regional and county environmental and land
use plans.
(iii) Existing applicable watershed storm water
management plans, including minimum standards required by
the Storm Water Management Act.
(c) Exception.--Except as provided under this act, the
requirements and procedures in sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and
12 of the Storm Water Management Act shall be followed in
developing the comprehensive storm water management plan under
this section. These provisions apply to development and
implementation of the applicable plan and implementing ordinance
and regulation revisions required by this section.
(d) Design criteria and standards.--The comprehensive storm
water management plan shall identify the design criteria or
performance standard for any storm water management practice
implemented under this section, and the county or the department
shall have no responsibility to reimburse the cost of any
practice not meeting the design criteria or performance
standard.
(e) Extension of deadline.--The department shall extend the
deadline under subsection (b) for preparation of a comprehensive
storm water management plan if, upon application by the counties
for grants and reimbursements authorized under section 608(a) to
meet the requirements of this chapter, the department determines
that the grants and reimbursements are not available. The
department may extend the deadline for the counties for
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compliance with subsection (b) for up to five years from the
date of the department's authorization of the grants or
reimbursements.
Section 302. Review and approval or disapproval by department.
(a) Determination.--The department may approve or disapprove
comprehensive storm water management plans in whole or in part
or with conditions that the department determines are reasonable
and appropriate.
(b) Effect of inaction by department.--Unless the department
approves, conditionally approves or disapproves the
comprehensive storm water management plan within 120 days of
receipt, the comprehensive storm water management plan shall be
deemed acceptable as submitted.
Section 303. Implementation of comprehensive storm water
management plans.
(a) Ordinances.--Within 18 months following adoption and
approval of a comprehensive storm water management plan, each
municipality shall adopt or amend its ordinances and
regulations, including its zoning, subdivision and development,
building code and erosion and sedimentation ordinances,
necessary to regulate development and activities and to control
storm water within the municipality in a manner consistent with
the applicable comprehensive storm water management plan,
including the remedial plan to address existing problems, and
the provisions of the Storm Water Management Act and this act.
The department may extend the deadline six months for compliance
with this section upon request based upon a demonstration of
need.
(b) Remedial plan.--Following adoption and approval of
comprehensive storm water management plans, the responsible
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entity shall implement the remedial plan.
(c) Infrastructure implementation.--Unless otherwise
specified in a county-adopted and department-approved
comprehensive storm water management plan, infrastructure
improvements under the comprehensive storm water management plan
shall be implemented by any of the following means:
(1) Each municipality shall carry out the plan within
its boundaries, either individually or by agreement with
another municipality, county or a joint agency.
(2) One or more municipalities in the watershed may
request that the county or counties in the watershed assume
responsibility for implementation of the plan. The county or
counties may assume responsibility for implementation of the
plan and operational authority for the storm water facilities
as provided for in the plan, but only for municipalities that
agree to allow the county or counties to assume
implementation responsibilities.
(3) If two-thirds of the municipalities, representing at
least 51% of the population within the watershed, through
adoption of resolutions of their governing bodies, request
that the county or counties in the watershed assume
responsibility for implementation of the plan, the county or
counties shall meet with the municipalities to develop a plan
of implementation, to be adopted within 12 months. The
following procedures apply:
(i) If the county or counties and municipalities do
not adopt a plan of implementation by the 12-month
period, the department may convene a three-person panel
to be comprised of one representative or designee
appointed by the department, one representative or
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designee appointed by the county or counties and one
representative or designee appointed by the group of
municipalities. The county or counties and municipalities
shall have 30 days from the date the department convenes
the panel to select their representative or designee.
(ii) The department shall oversee the panel's
completion of the implementation plan, which shall be
adopted within six months from the panel's first meeting.
The first meeting of the panel shall be held no later
than 45 days from the date the panel is convened.
(iii) If either the county or municipalities fail to
appoint a representative or designee, the department
shall complete the plan of implementation in cooperation
with any timely appointed representative or designee. If
there are no timely appointed representatives or
designees from the county or municipalities, the
department shall complete the plan of implementation.
(iv) Failure of the county or municipalities to
comply with the final plan of implementation developed in
accordance with this subsection constitutes a violation
of this act.
(d) Responsible entity.--If the responsible entity fails to
timely implement the remedial plan associated with approved and
adopted comprehensive storm water management plans, the county
may implement the remedial plan.
(e) Development of model ordinances.--Within three years of
the effective date of this subsection, the department shall
develop a set of model ordinances, including a specific model
comprehensive storm water management ordinance, that can be used
as a guide by municipalities to adopt regulations designed to
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implement the applicable comprehensive storm water management
plan.
(f) Waiver provisions.--The implementing ordinances and
regulations may not contain a waiver provision except for those
waivers included in the model ordinance in the adopted and
approved comprehensive storm water management plan.
(g) Decisions.--The department, other Commonwealth
departments and agencies and county and municipal governments
and agencies shall consider and shall make decisions with
respect to issuance of permits, approvals or grants that are
generally consistent with comprehensive storm water management
plans prepared, adopted and approved under this act.
(h) Review and issuance procedures.--The department shall
develop procedures to coordinate the review and issuance of all
department permits, approvals or grants that cover construction,
operation and maintenance of all current and future facilities
that are necessary to implement the comprehensive storm water
management plans, including the designation of a single point of
contact for all department permits or approvals for the
facilities.
(i) Construction.--Nothing in this act shall be construed to
relieve a county or municipality from compliance with existing
obligations under the Storm Water Management Act.
Section 304. Failure to submit and implement comprehensive
storm water management plan.
(a) Actions.--A person, municipality or the department may
institute an action in mandamus to compel a county to prepare,
adopt and submit a comprehensive storm water management plan in
accordance with the Storm Water Management Act and this act.
(b) Administrative remedies.--The department may utilize
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administrative remedies, including administrative orders, or may
institute an action in mandamus to compel a county to prepare,
adopt and submit a comprehensive storm water management plan in
accordance with the Storm Water Management Act and this act.
(c) Reimbursement.--When action by the municipality or
department is required to compel a county to prepare, adopt,
submit or implement a comprehensive storm water management plan,
the department may not provide grants or reimbursements to the
county for the cost of the comprehensive storm water management
plan.
(d) Costs and fees.--The costs, attorney fees,
administrative fees and other expenses associated with
proceedings under this section shall be recoverable from the
violator.
Section 305. Failure of municipalities to adopt ordinances and
implement plans.
(a) Procedure following approval.--Following adoption and
approval of a comprehensive storm water management plan, in
accordance with section 303(a):
(1) A person may institute an action in mandamus to
compel a municipality to adopt implementing ordinances and to
implement a comprehensive storm water management plan and
ordinances in accordance with the Storm Water Management Act
and this act.
(2) The county or the department may utilize
administrative remedies, including administrative orders, or
may institute an action in mandamus to compel a municipality
to adopt ordinances or to implement a comprehensive storm
water management plan in accordance with the Storm Water
Management Act and this act.
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(3) When action by the county, the department or any
person is required to compel a municipality to adopt
ordinances or to implement a comprehensive storm water
management plan, the department may not provide grants or
reimbursements to the municipality for the associated costs.
(b) Costs and fees.--The costs, attorney fees,
administrative fees and other expenses associated with
proceedings under this section shall be recoverable from the
violator.
CHAPTER 4
INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
PLANNING AND PROCEDURE
Section 401. Water resources management coordination and
integration.
(a) Submitting agency.--A county or multiple counties may
elect to develop integrated water resources management plans. If
a county or counties have not provided notice to the department
of the intention to develop an integrated water resources
management plan, the multiple municipalities or water resources
management authorities located in the counties may elect to
develop integrated water resources management plans in
accordance with this act, beginning one year from the effective
date of this subsection.
(b) Plans.--Integrated water resources management plans may
be developed for individual or multiple watersheds, or upon
department-approved watershed-based planning areas, designated
in accordance with, the following considerations:
(1) Existence of critical water planning areas.
(2) Waters listed under 33 U.S.C. § 1313(d) (relating to
water quality standards and implementation plans).
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(3) Flooding history.
(4) Special protection watersheds.
(5) Current or projected population density.
(6) Current or projected rate of development.
(7) Percent of impervious cover.
(c) Minimum requirements.--Integrated water resources
management plans shall, at a minimum, be consistent with this
act and the following statutes:
(1) 21 U.S.C. § 349 (relating to bottled drinking water
standards; publication in Federal register).
(2) 33 U.S.C. Ch. 26 Subch. I (relating to research and
related programs).
(3) 33 U.S.C. § 2213 (relating to flood control and
other purposes).
(4) 42 U.S.C. Ch. 6A Subch. I (relating to
administration and miscellaneous provisions).
(5) 42 U.S.C. Ch. 6A Subch. XII (relating to safety of
public water systems).
(6) The Clean Streams Law.
(7) The act of June 24, 1939 (P.L.842, No.365), referred
to as the Water Rights Law.
(8) The act of May 15, 1945 (P.L.547, No.217), known as
the Conservation District Law.
(9) The act of January 24, 1966 (1965 P.L.1535, No.537),
known as the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
(10) The Municipalities Planning Code.
(11) The act of October 4, 1978 (P.L.851, No.166), known
as the Flood Plain Management Act.
(12) The Storm Water Management Act.
(13) The act of November 26, 1978 (P.L.1375, No.325),
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known as the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act.
(14) The act of May 1, 1984 (P.L.206, No.43), known as
the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act.
(15) The provisions of 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 (relating to
nutrient management and odor management).
(16) The provisions of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 56 (relating to
municipal authorities).
(17) Any other applicable Federal or State law as
determined by the department.
(d) Entities.--Entities which elect to undertake integrated
water resources management planning shall do so in accordance
with this act.
(e) Compliance.--If an entity elects to undertake integrated
water resources management planning and the plan is approved by
the department in accordance with this act, the entity is deemed
to have satisfied the procedural and substantive planning
requirements of the acts listed in subsection (c) that impose
planning requirements.
Section 402. Integrated water resources management planning
process.
(a) Boundaries.--Integrated water resources management plans
shall be based upon the boundaries described in plans developed
in accordance with section 401(b), unless an alternate
watershed-based planning area is approved by the department for
good cause shown.
(b) Development.--Public participation in the development of
the integrated water resources management plan shall be provided
as follows:
(1) An integrated water resources management plan
advisory committee, composed of one representative appointed
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by the governing body of each municipality in the watershed-
based planning area, the county and any county conservation
district in the planning area watershed, any compact basin
commission in the planning area watershed and other agencies
and groups, as are necessary and proper, shall be established
to advise the submitting agency throughout the process.
(2) Prior to adoption, the plan shall be reviewed by the
official planning agency, if one exists, and governing body
of each municipality and county and by each regional planning
agency in the watershed for general consistency with other
plans and programs affecting the watershed-based planning
area. All reviews and the submitting agency's responses shall
be submitted to the department with the plan at the time a
review of the plan is requested from the department.
(3) Prior to adoption or amendment of the plan,
reasonable public notice shall be given at least 14 days
prior to the hearing, and a public hearing shall be held
within the watershed-based planning area.
(c) Adoption.--Adoption or amendment by the submitting
agency of the integrated water resources management plan shall
be by resolution of the governing body or bodies of the agency
or agencies identified in subsection (b), which have authorized
development of the plan.
(d) Approval by department.--
(1) Prior to adoption or substantive amendment, the
submitting agency shall submit the integrated water resources
management plan to the department for review. The department
shall approve or conditionally approve the integrated water
resources management plan if the department determines that
the plan is generally consistent with the following:
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(i) Section 401(c).
(ii) All current approved watershed restoration and
protection plans that have been developed in the planning
area.
(iii) All current approved total maximum daily loads
for waters of the planning area.
(iv) All current source water protection plans that
have been adopted in the planning area.
(v) All current rivers conservation plans in the
watershed-based planning area that have been approved by
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
(vi) All current critical area resource plans that
have been approved by the department.
(vii) All current applicable water resources plans
adopted by a river basin commission.
(2) Unless the department approves, conditionally
approves or disapproves the integrated water resources
management plan within 120 days of receipt, the plan shall be
deemed acceptable as submitted.
(3) If the department determines that the proposed
integrated water resources management plan will not meet the
requirements of this act, the department shall disapprove the
plan in writing, which writing shall identify the basis for
disapproval.
(4) The integrated water resources management planning
area, either based upon the boundaries described in plans
developed in accordance with the Storm Water Management Act
or an alternate watershed-based planning area approved by the
department, shall be considered a reasonable geographic area
in a multimunicipal comprehensive plan prepared in accordance
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with Article XI of the Municipalities Planning Code as long
as the county or multiple municipalities follow the
procedures in Article XI of the Municipalities Planning Code.
(e) Design criteria and standards.--The integrated water
resources management plan shall identify the design criteria or
performance standard for any water management practice
implemented under this section, and the county or the department
shall have no responsibility to reimburse the cost of any
practice not meeting the design criteria or performance
standard.
Section 403. Integrated water resources management plan
requirements.
(a) Local authorization.--
(1) The submitting agency may develop an integrated
water resources management plan as described in this section.
If all counties or municipalities in the watershed do not
agree to develop the plan, the plan shall use standards at
the boundaries of the nonparticipating county or
municipalities that are consistent with the integrated water
resources management plan.
(2) Federal lands shall be included in the integrated
water resources management plan in consultation with the
United States Department of the Interior.
(3) State lands shall be included in the integrated
water resources management plan in consultation with the
appropriate State agency.
(4) The integrated water resources management plan shall
be generally consistent with comprehensive plans of counties
and municipalities enacted under the Municipalities Planning
Code.
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(5) A comprehensive plan of a county or a municipality
enacted under the Municipalities Planning Code, subsequent to
adoption of this act, shall be generally consistent with the
integrated water resources management plan approved under
this act that applies to the county or municipality.
(6) An integrated water resources management plan
adopted on a multimunicipal basis in accordance with this act
shall constitute the water planning required in accordance
with section 301(a)(4) of the Municipalities Planning Code
and shall be considered a plan for the reliable supply of
water in accordance with section 301(b) of the Municipalities
Planning Code if it is a component of a multimunicipal
comprehensive plan prepared in accordance with Article XI of
the Municipalities Planning Code, as long as the county or
multiple municipalities follow the procedures in Article XI
of the Municipalities Planning Code.
(b) Integrated water resources management plan content.--The
integrated water resources management plan, at a minimum, shall:
(1) Coordinate the planning provisions in and
demonstrate consistency with Federal and State statutes and
programs identified in section 401(a).
(2) Delineate the approved watershed-based planning area
boundary.
(3) Inventory all existing and planned water and
wastewater treatment systems and service areas and all
significant water resources management facilities within the
watershed, their ownership and the parties responsible for
their operation and maintenance and provide an assessment of
the functional effectiveness of the systems and facilities.
(4) Estimate current and future water demands.
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(5) Identify all local conservation areas such as
protected riparian corridors, conservation easements,
wellhead and source water protection areas, preserved
farmland, greenways, publicly owned land and other areas that
have land-use restrictions based on natural conditions.
(6) Identify all environmentally sensitive features of
the watershed, such as wetlands, habitat for rare and
endangered plant and animal species, special protection
waters and karst geology.
(7) Identify and consider all current storm water
management plans and watershed protection and restoration
plans that have been prepared by citizen groups, nonprofit
organizations, conservation districts, county and municipal
governments and Federal, State, interstate or regional
agencies.
(8) Identify and describe all existing regionally
significant water quality problems and water resources
management problems within the watershed, including those
caused by domestic or industrial wastewater, nonpoint sources
of pollution, water availability and storm water and
floodplain management problems.
(9) Project future land-use changes over a 10-year
period based on population estimates, anticipated
development, planning and zoning requirements, economic
considerations and public infrastructure.
(10) Identify and evaluate alternatives for future water
demands, including water supply and wastewater demands.
(11) Identify, evaluate and prioritize management
practices, procedures and other strategies to protect,
maintain, reclaim, restore and enhance water quality and
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water resources based on existing conditions and projected
growth and land use changes.
(12) Designate the responsible entity for implementation
of the plan and for operation and maintenance of water
quality protection and water resources management facilities,
such as wastewater treatment plants and community or
individual storm water control facilities.
(13) Identify and evaluate potential water conservation
and reuse measures.
(14) Identify and evaluate source water protection
alternatives.
(15) Identify financing alternatives, including rate
structures for fees and assessments to implement the plan.
(16) Present selected financing methods and priorities.
(17) Present a prioritized schedule and process for plan
implementation.
(18) Establish a program for public participation,
information and education.
(19) Provide for plan reviews and updates on a minimum
five-year cycle.
(20) Provide model ordinances for plan implementation.
(c) Additional issues.--The integrated water resources
management plans may address additional issues, including the
following:
(1) Preventing increased flood stages in streams.
(2) Controlling the quantity, peak and volume,
direction, rate and velocity of storm water runoff and
subsurface drainage and the quality thereof consistent with
State water quality standards.
(3) Improving groundwater recharge.
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(4) Maximizing the opportunities for integration of
water resources management and protection under the existing
laws and regulations.
(5) Creating water resources management corridors in
accordance with section 405.
(6) Supporting ecologically sustainable water
management, sustainable water supplies, water conservation,
surface and groundwater management, development of resource
strategies, providing for long-term infrastructure investment
strategies, evaluating environmental impacts and options and
evaluating economic impacts and options.
Section 404. Implementation of integrated water resources
management plans.
(a) Requirements.--Within 180 days of the department's
approval of an integrated water resources management plan, each
county and municipality within the area subject to the plan
shall:
(1) Adopt or amend ordinances and regulations, including
zoning, subdivision and development, building code, erosion
and sedimentation and storm water ordinances, as are
necessary to regulate development and local activities in a
manner consistent with the applicable approved plan and the
provisions of this act.
(2) Implement ordinances and regulations, including
zoning, subdivision and development, building code, erosion
and sedimentation and storm water ordinances, as are
necessary to regulate development and local activities in a
manner consistent with the applicable approved plan and the
provisions of this act.
(b) Infrastructure implementation.--Infrastructure
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improvements under an integrated water resources management plan
shall be implemented through any of the following:
(1) A municipality shall carry out the plan within its
boundaries, either individually or by agreement with another
municipality or county or a joint agency.
(2) One or more municipalities in the watershed may
request that the county or counties in the watershed assume
responsibility for implementation of the plan. The county or
counties may assume responsibility for implementation of the
plan and operational authority for the water resources
management facilities provided for in the plan, but only for
municipalities that agree to allow the county or counties to
assume implementation responsibilities.
(3) If two-thirds of the municipalities, representing at
least 51% of the population within the watershed, through
adoption of resolutions of their governing bodies, request
that the county or counties in the watershed assume
responsibility for implementation of the plan, the county or
counties shall meet with the municipalities to develop a plan
of implementation to be adopted within 12 months. The
following procedures apply:
(i) If the county or counties and municipalities do
not adopt a plan of implementation after 12 months, the
department may convene a three-person panel to be
comprised of one representative or designee appointed by
the department, one representative or designee appointed
by the county or counties and one representative or
designee appointed by the group of municipalities. The
county or counties and municipalities shall have 30 days
from the date the department convenes the panel to select
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their representative or designee.
(ii) The department shall oversee the panel's
completion of the implementation plan, which shall be
adopted within six months from the panel's first meeting.
The first meeting of the panel shall be held no later
than 45 days from the date the panel is convened.
(iii) If either the county or municipalities fail to
appoint a representative or designee, the department
shall complete the plan of implementation in cooperation
with any timely appointed representative or designee. If
there are no timely appointed representatives or
designees from the county or municipalities, the
department shall complete the plan of implementation.
(iv) Failure of the county or municipalities to
comply with the final plan of implementation developed in
accordance with this subsection constitutes a violation
of this act.
(c) Development of model ordinances.--Within 180 days of the
effective date of this subsection, the department shall develop
a set of model ordinances, including a specific model integrated
water resources management ordinance, that can be used as a
guide by local governments to adopt regulations designed to
implement their integrated water resources management plan.
(d) Waiver.--The implementing ordinances and regulations
shall not contain a waiver provision except for those waivers
included in the model ordinance in the adopted and approved
integrated water resources management plan.
(e) Permits, approvals or grants.--The department, other
Commonwealth departments and agencies and county and municipal
governments and agencies shall consider and shall make decisions
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with respect to issuance of permits, approvals or grants that
are generally consistent with integrated water resources
management plans adopted under this act.
(f) Review and issuance procedures.--The department shall
develop procedures to coordinate the review and issuance of all
department permits, approvals or grants that cover construction,
operation and maintenance of all current and future facilities
that are necessary to implement the integrated water resources
management plans, including the designation of a single point of
contact for all department permits or approvals for the
facilities.
(g) County implementation.--If the responsible entity fails
to timely implement the approved and adopted integrated water
resources management plan, the county may implement the approved
integrated water resources management plan.
Section 405. Water resources management corridors.
(a) Additional limitations.--Integrated water resources
management plans may establish water resources management
corridors to provide additional limitations on activities and
development for protection of waters of this Commonwealth, and
in the interest of public health and safety, those designated as
special protection under the department's rules and regulations,
critical riparian areas, including minimum riparian buffers,
wetlands, critical habitat areas and floodplain management
areas.
(b) Protection of corridors.--The submitting agency shall
ensure that water resources management corridors are protected
through acquisition, easements, trusts or other appropriate
legal instruments that guarantee forested buffering, building
setbacks and reasonable and appropriate public access.
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(c) Adjacent watersheds.--Development of integrated water
resources management plans established for adjacent watersheds,
which contain water resources management corridors, shall be
coordinated by submitting agencies to ensure consistency among
water resources management corridors.
Section 406. Failure of municipalities to adopt implementing
ordinances.
(a) Procedures.--Following adoption and approval of an
integrated water resources management plan:
(1) A county or the department may institute an action
in mandamus to compel a municipality to adopt implementing
ordinances and to implement an integrated water resources
management plan and ordinances in accordance with this act.
(2) The county or department may utilize administrative
remedies, including administrative orders, or may institute
an action in mandamus to compel a municipality to adopt
ordinances or to implement an integrated water resources
management plan in accordance with this act.
(3) When action by the county or department or any
person is required to compel a municipality to adopt
ordinances or to implement an integrated water resources
management plan, the department shall not provide grants or
reimbursements to the municipality for the associated costs.
(b) Costs and fees.--The costs, attorney fees and
administrative fees and other expenses associated with
proceedings under this section shall be recoverable from the
violator.
CHAPTER 5
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES
Section 501. Water resources management authorities.
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(a) Authorities.--A county or multiple counties may elect to
create a water resources management authority where there is no
authority created in accordance with 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 56 (relating
to municipal authorities) within the jurisdiction or expand the
scope of an existing authority to undertake powers and duties as
may be delegated by the incorporating municipality in accordance
with this act. If a county or counties have not provided notice
to the department of the intention to create a water resources
management authority or expand the scope of an existing
authority in accordance with this act, multiple municipalities
located in a county or counties may create a water resources
management authority or expand the scope of an existing
authority in accordance with this act, beginning one year from
the effective date of this subsection.
(b) Creation or expansion of water resources management
authorities.--A county or multiple counties or multiple
municipalities which have assumed or plan to assume
responsibility for the development, implementation and
administration of comprehensive storm water management plans or
an integrated water resources management plan shall have the
right to incorporate as a water resources management authority
in accordance with 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 56 for the purposes specified
under 53 Pa.C.S. § 5607 (relating to purposes and powers)
relating to projects of the kind and character as follows:
(1) Comprehensive storm water planning, collection,
treatment, remedial plan implementation and infrastructure
management and parts thereof, including regulation, operation
and maintenance, repair, replacement, reconstruction and
expansion in accordance with the Storm Water Management Act
and this act.
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(2) Integrated water resources management in accordance
with plans adopted and approved under this act.
(c) Transfer of authority and obligation to operate and
maintain water resources management best management practices to
water authorities.--Transfer of authority shall be conducted as
follows:
(1) The authority and obligation to operate and maintain
water resources management best management practices,
including comprehensive storm water management or integrated
water resources management best management practices on
private lands, may be transferred to the county or water
resources management authority at their discretion. Whether
transferred or not, the operation and maintenance shall be
consistent with the design standards, criteria, schedules and
other requirements established under the comprehensive storm
water management plans or integrated water resources
management plans.
(2) All transferred obligations shall be subject to an
easement for maintenance and inspection access.
Section 502. Additional powers and duties of water resources
management authorities.
(a) Exceptions.--Except as provided by this act, the
requirements and procedures in 53 Pa.C.S. § 5607 (relating to
purposes and powers) shall be followed in developing the rates
and fees and the process for assessing and collecting the fees.
(b) Reimbursement of implementation and maintenance costs.--
The following shall apply to reimbursement:
(1) A county or municipality shall be reimbursed by the
water resources management authority for reasonable costs
that support the comprehensive storm water management plan or
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integrated water resources plan implementation,
administration and maintenance under this paragraph and
paragraph (2).
(2) Reimbursement shall not include costs related to
sanitary sewage facilities.
(3) The water resources management authority shall have
the right to audit the county's or municipality's costs of
implementation and maintenance for which reimbursement is
sought.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit
or impair application of this act to any county, municipality
or person, or to relieve any county, municipality or person
of duties required under this act, including preparation and
implementation of plans.
(c) Design criteria and standards.--The comprehensive storm
water management plan or integrated water resources management
plan shall identify the design criteria or performance standard
for any storm water management practice implemented under this
section, and the county shall have no responsibility to
reimburse the cost of any practice not meeting the design
criteria or performance standard.
(d) Maintenance of storm water practices or integrated water
resources management facilities.--Continuing maintenance of
storm water or water resources management practice shall be the
responsibility of the water resources management authority
implementing the practice under subsection (b)(1) and (2) unless
there is specific agreement otherwise between the water
resources management authority and the implementing party.
(e) Objections.--A resident, an owner of real property or a
person in the plan area questioning the rate or fees fixed by
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the county, including extensions of service thereof, shall first
raise the objections with the county or the water resources
management authority, as the case may be. After exhausting
administrative remedies, the resident, owner or person may bring
suit against the water resources management authority or county
in the court of common pleas of the county in which the
principal office of the water resources management authority is
located.
CHAPTER 6
RIGHTS, REMEDIES, FUNDING AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 601. Duty of persons engaged in development of land.
A landowner or a person engaged in an activity, alteration or
development of land which may affect water resources or storm
water runoff characteristics shall:
(1) Manage rate, volume, velocity, direction and quality
of runoff so as to:
(i) Prevent pollution to waters of this Commonwealth
as defined in the Clean Streams Law.
(ii) Protect safety and prevent injury to health and
other property.
(2) Ensure that the maximum rate of storm water runoff
is not increased.
(3) If there are applicable comprehensive storm water
management plans or integrated water resources management
plans, implement measures consistent with the provisions in
the applicable plans as are reasonably necessary to protect,
maintain, reclaim and restore waters of this Commonwealth and
to prevent injury to health, safety or property.
Section 602. Funding and imposing fees on tax-exempt property.
(a) General rule.--Except as provided under subsection (b),
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real property that is exempt from the payment of real estate tax
shall be subject to the fees and charges imposed in accordance
with this act.
(b) Exempt property.--The following property shall be exempt
from the fees imposed by this act:
(1) Property owned by a political subdivision, county or
municipality.
(2) Property owned by a water resources management
authority.
Section 603. Entry upon land for surveys and examinations.
(a) Representatives.--Designated representatives of the
Commonwealth or a county, municipality or authority, upon
serving a reasonable notice and with the authorization of the
landowner or occupier, may enter upon lands in the plan area to
make surveys and examinations to accomplish the planning
purposes of this act.
(b) Inspections.--The department is authorized to make
inspections, conduct tests or sampling or examine books, papers
and records pertinent to any matter under investigation in
accordance with this act as it deems necessary to determine
compliance with this act, and, for this purpose, the duly
authorized agents and employees of the department are authorized
at all reasonable times to enter and examine any property,
facility, operation or activity.
(c) Agents and employees.--The owner, operator or other
person in charge of property, facilities, operations or
activities where storm water or integrated water resources
management facilities are located shall, upon presentation of
proper identification and purpose for inspection, give agents
and employees of the department free and unrestricted entry and
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access, and, upon refusal to grant entry or access, the agent or
employee may obtain a search warrant or other suitable order
authorizing entry and inspection. It shall be sufficient
probable cause to issue a search warrant authorizing examination
and inspection if there is probable cause to believe that the
object of the investigation is subject to regulation under this
act and access, examination or inspection is necessary to
enforce the provisions of this act.
Section 604. Preservation of existing rights and remedies.
The taking of an action under the provisions of this act
shall not be construed as estopping the Commonwealth or a
county, municipality or aggrieved person from proceeding in
courts of law or equity to abate nuisances under existing law or
to restrain, at law or in equity, a violation of this act.
Section 605. Civil remedies.
(a) Public nuisance.--An activity conducted in violation of
the provisions of this act or of any comprehensive storm water
management plan or integrated water resources management plan or
regulations or ordinances adopted under this act is hereby
declared a public nuisance.
(b) Actions.--
(1) Suits to restrain, prevent or abate violations of
this act or of any comprehensive storm water management plan,
integrated water resources management plan, regulations or
ordinances adopted under this act may be instituted in equity
or at law by the department, any affected county or
municipality or any aggrieved person in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
(2) Except in cases of emergency where, in the opinion
of the court, the circumstances of the case require immediate
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abatement of the unlawful conduct, the court may, in its
decree, fix a reasonable time during which the person
responsible for the unlawful conduct shall correct or abate
the conduct.
(3) The costs, attorney fees, administrative fees and
other expenses associated with proceeding under this section
shall be recoverable from the violator.
(c) Damages.--A person injured by conduct which violates the
provisions of this act may, in addition to any other remedy
provided under this act, recover damages caused by a violation
from the landowner or other responsible person.
Section 606. Administrative procedure and judicial review.
(a) Appeal of action of department.--A person aggrieved by
an action of the department under this act shall have the right
within 30 days of receipt of notice of the action to appeal to
the Environmental Hearing Board.
(b) Appeal of action of political subdivision.--A person
aggrieved by an action of a county, municipality or water
resources management authority under this act shall have a right
to appeal in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. Chs. 5 (relating to
practice and procedure) and 7 (relating to judicial review).
Section 607. Integrated Water Resources Management Account.
(a) Establishment.--The Integrated Water Resources
Management Account is established as a restricted receipt
account within the General Fund.
(b) Fees.--All fees collected by the department under this
act shall be paid into the State Treasury for deposit into the
account.
(c) Administration.--The account shall be administered by
the department to implement the purposes of this act.
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(d) Appropriation.--Money in the account is appropriated on
a continuing basis to the department for the purposes of this
act.
Section 608. Grants and reimbursements.
(a) Grants.--The department may administer grants to
counties and water resources management authorities to assist or
reimburse the counties, municipalities and the water resources
management authorities for allowable costs in preparing the
initial comprehensive storm water management plans and
integrated water resources management plans under this act.
Grants and reimbursements shall be made from, and to the extent
of, money appropriated by the General Assembly for the purposes
of assistance and reimbursement in accordance with this act and
shall be made in accordance with rules and regulations
promulgated or amended by the Environmental Quality Board.
(b) Limitation.--The grants shall equal 75% of the allowable
costs under this act.
(c) State grants.--For purposes of this section, State
grants shall be in addition to grants for similar purposes made
to a county or an authority by the Federal Government, or other
sources, provided that the grants authorized by this section
shall be limited such that the total of all State grants does
not exceed 75% of allowable costs under this act.
(d) Applicability.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to impair or limit application of this act to any
municipality, county, water resources management authority or
person or to relieve any municipality, county, water resources
management authority or person of duties imposed under this act.
(e) Report by department.--If, in any fiscal year,
appropriations are insufficient to cover the costs of grants and
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reimbursement to all municipalities, counties and water
resources management authorities eligible for grants and
reimbursements in that fiscal year, the department shall report
that fact to the General Assembly and shall request
appropriation of money necessary to provide the grants and
reimbursements authorized under this section. If a deficiency
appropriation is not enacted, any municipality, county or water
resources management authority which has not received the full
amount of the grant or reimbursement for which it is eligible
under this section shall be, as a first priority, reimbursed
from appropriations made in the next successive fiscal year.
(f) Reimbursement of expenses.--Municipalities located in
watershed-based planning areas for which comprehensive storm
water management or integrated water resources management plans
have been prepared or updated and adopted by counties and
approved by the department shall be eligible for annual
reimbursement equal to 75% of net expenses incurred in the
adoption or revision of ordinances or regulations and other
actual administrative, enforcement and implementation costs
incurred in complying with this act and the applicable approved
plans for the first five years after adoption of plans and
approval by the department.
(g) Supplements.--Notwithstanding the grant and
reimbursement limitations in subsections (a) and (f), if
implementation and maintenance of the plans and other
requirements of this act cannot be sustained by funding
generated by water resource authorities, the Commonwealth may
supplement funding through payments not to exceed 75% of
allowable costs.
Section 609. Waiver of use of grant and loan funds.
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A municipality, county or authority receiving grants or loans
from the Commonwealth or its agencies for the construction or
repair of a storm water best management practice or flood
control project, if the Commonwealth's funds are restricted from
paying for the acquisition of property, a right-of-way or
property removal or demolition necessary for the completion of
the project, may receive a waiver to spend up to 5% of the grant
or loan for these activities upon the approval of the
appropriate Commonwealth agency.
CHAPTER 7
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 701. Repeals.
Repeals are as follows:
(1) The General Assembly declares that the repeal under
paragraph (2) is necessary to effectuate this act.
(2) Sections 9(b) and 14(b) of the act of October 4,
1978 (P.L.864, No.167), known as the Storm Water Management
Act, are repealed.
(3) All other acts and parts of acts are repealed
insofar as they are inconsistent with this act.
Section 702. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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