PA streams: Let's protect the best of the best.

Pennsylvania is blessed with more than 86,000 miles of streams—second only to Alaska—many of which remain clean enough to support fish and other aquatic life. The streams with the very best water quality receive High Quality or Exceptional Value classifications that provide them with the highest level of protection. Anyone can petition the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to re-designate a stream if data show it merits this status; the DEP and Fish & Boat Commission can also recommend upgrades, which must be approved by the Environmental Quality Board.

Protecting these waters through anti-degradation policies and ensuring streams receive the right designation before development occurs is critical to preserving Pennsylvania’s water resources for future generations. Unfortunately, the DEP has not proposed any stream re-designations since 2011. Hundreds of miles of streams are awaiting upgrade petitions, but limited staff and a cumbersome process have led to years of inaction.

PennFuture recommends that Governor Tom Wolf provide the DEP with enough staff and resources to review petitions, conduct surveys and propose rulemaking packages at least three times a year. The agency should streamline its internal process and respond to petitions in a timely manner so that the "best of the best" streams receive the regulatory protection they deserve. Jen Quinn is PennFuture’s Central Pennsylvania outreach coordinator.