County-by-county updates on action plans to improve the Chesapeake Bay

Adam Yeager implementing stream restoration on Limestone Run in Northumberland County. Photo credit: Colin Hill Susquehanna University Intern

The following report was compiled by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association intern Danielle Tryon, of Susquehanna University.

“The most precious commodity in the county, commonwealth, US, and world is fresh clean water," said John Levitsky, watershed specialist at the Luzerne County Conservation District. "We all live upstream or downstream of someone and it is critical for everyone to work together as a community to better the watershed. One person can’t do it all but if we all join hands as a community, we can protect our waterways for drinking, fishing, swimming and boating."

In an effort to keep everyone on the same page to protect the Chesapeake Bay and the waterways that feed her, county conservation districts throughout the Susquehanna River watershed have been working on Countywide Action Plans (CAPs) which “provide an opportunity for everyone involved to learn more about their local waters and … outline how to achieve local clean water goals in a way that fits with local priorities,” according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Sourced from Chesapeake Bay Program.

For approval of their CAPs, county conservation districts must meet with local stakeholders, including, but not limited to municipalities, farmers, policy makers and environmental partners, and create a first draft and then a finalized draft to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for comment.

The Middle Susquehanna Watershed is home to 23 counties. Most of these counties are in the drafting phase of their CAPs and the conservation districts have identified three main waterway issues hampering the quality of the water.

Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread issue throughout our watershed. AMD is any highly acidic surface or groundwater rich in heavy metals that is draining from an abandoned mine. Contaminants like this in the waterways are harmful to aquatic populations and in severe cases can create biologically dead zones.

The other two main issues identified by CAPs within our watershed include sedimentation and nutrient runoff, both of which are associated with agriculture and logging.

Sediments are loose clays, sands and silts that settle to the bottom of a water body. Although natural erosion creates some sedimentation, artificial erosion from construction, logging, and farming creates much more. Sediment pollution can create more severe flooding, inhibit aquatic organisms from seeing in the water, and alter the flow of water for aquatic life and recreation.

Nutrient runoff in the watershed can be traced to agriculture, livestock and sewage, among other sources. Increased levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate from fertilizers and manure can greatly affect water quality, causing some organisms like algae to grow abundantly. As algae from the eutrophication decompose, dissolved oxygen in the water is depleted. In addition to increased bacteria counts, the lack of oxygen in the water can cause aquatic populations to die off.

The countywide action plans are being written to address the waterway issues specific to each county. Many of the plans are using best management practices (BMPs), which have the potential to bring the community together to address issues affecting everyone. As citizens in the Middle Susquehanna Watershed, everyone has the ability to create change. Provided below in the county-by-county report are ways you can reach out and get involved.
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“We all need water, and it needs to be clean water," said John Dryzal, district manager at Cambria County Conservation District. "Steps that people do even around their own homes, connecting to municipal sewage, applying fertilizers and pesticides responsibly, all which helps to achieve the overarching goal of clean water."

The CAP process has helped empower county conservation districts to work with a variety of others who have a vested interest in our aquatic resources.

"The CAP is one big team effort," says Sean Levan, Bay Technician and District Manager at Montour County Conservation District. "We all have the same ultimate goal: Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay."

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Barnyard best management practices being put in place in Montour County. Photo credit: Sean Levan District Manager Montour County Conservation District.

Middle Susquehanna Watershed Countywide Action Plans (CAP)
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Bradford County
Information pending

Cambria County
Main county waterway issue:

• Abandoned mine drainage.

Highlights of the CAP:

• Concentrating in the northern 40% of the county that drains into the Chesapeake Bay

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• First draft is due for review August 26th
• Final draft is due for review mid-September 

Contacts and what you can do at home: 

• Cambria County Conservation District: 814-472-2120
• CCCD District Manager: John Dryzal
• Website: https://cambriaconservationdistrict.org/
• Reach out to your local watershed group for volunteer opportunities

Cameron County:
Does not have one. Considered a minimal loading county by the DEP, meaning that impacts from waterways in this county have minimal impact on the greater watershed.

Centre County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Abandoned mine drainage
• Agriculture (nutrients and sedimentation)

Highlights of CAP:

• Over 50 stakeholders from around the county are actively involved
• Their CAP is an opportunity to help farmers and landowners to promote a healthier environment for all

CAP progress: Implementation phase

• Credited by the EPA in February 2021
• Eight projects are in motion focusing on agriculture, riparian buffers, and abandoned mine drainage
• Projects aimed to be completed by the end of the year

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Centre County Conservation District: 814-355-6817
• CCCD Nutrient Management Technician: Ally Ulsh
• Website: https://centrecountypa.gov/200/Conservation-District
• If you are interested, reach out to the conservation district since they have funding and resources to point both farmers and homeowners in the right direction.

Clearfield County:
Main county waterway issues: 

• Abandoned mine drainage
• Legacy sediment from logging and mining operations
• Nutrients from agriculture (minimal)

Highlights of CAP:

• Covers 3/4 of the county that drains into the Chesapeake Watershed
• Very widespread projects including BMP installation, nutrient health, outreach & education, and the implementation of watershed projects

CAP progress: In the developmental phase

• Final draft is ready for submission
• Continuing daily operations while sourcing funding to implement the CAP

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Clearfield County Conservation District: 814-765-2629
• CCCD Agricultural Conservation Specialist: Nick Hepfl
• Website: https://www.clfdccd.com/

Clinton County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Nutrient related problems and sedimentation in southern portion
• Abandoned mine drainage in northern portion

Highlights of CAP:

• Will mostly be focused on the southern part of the county due to the larger population and agricultural practices

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• Slated to put final draft out by September

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Clinton County Conservation District: 570-893-4000
• CCCD Watershed Specialist and Educational Coordinator: Toby Boyer
• Website: https://www.clintoncountypa.com/departments/conservation-district
• If anyone wants or knows of someone that wants to get involved in conservation reach out.

Columbia County:
Awaiting response
Columbia County Conservation District: (570)317-9456

Elk County:
Does not have one. Considered a minimal loading county by the DEP, meaning that impacts from waterways in this county have minimal impact on the greater watershed.

• Still have been participating in efforts with the Chesapeake to help where they can.

Indiana County:
Does not have one. Considered a minimal loading county by the DEP, meaning that impacts from waterways in this county have minimal impact on the greater watershed.

• Cambria County is taking care of the small part of their county that is in the Chesapeake watershed

Lackawanna County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Nutrients
• Sedimentation 
• Abandoned mine drainage

Highlights of CAP:

• Still being developed to pinpoint areas of improvement

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• First draft aimed to be submitted for comment in September

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Lackawanna County Conservation District: 570-382-3086
• LCCD Watershed Specialist & Environmental Educator: Cheryl Nolan
• Website: http://www.lccd.net/
• If you have any interests or concerns reach out and the district can point you in the right direction

Luzerne County:
Main county watershed issues:

• Abandoned mine drainage (largest issue with approximately 52 million gallons of water affected daily)
• Agriculture (nutrients and sedimentation)

Highlights of CAP:

• Focus on initiating BMPs, investigating mine drainage, municipal, wetlands, stream banks and riparian zones 

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• Currently working on giving a better focus to the most critical issues previously identified

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Luzerne County Conservation District: 570-674-7991
• LCCD Watershed Specialist: John Levitsky
• Website: https://luzernecd.org/
• If you have any concerns, reach out. They are eager to help you!

Lycoming County:
Main county watershed issues: 

• Nutrient pollution
• Atmosphere deposition (pH) & abandoned mine drainage
• Sedimentation via runoff

Highlights of CAP:

• Over 100 stakeholders involved from a variety of sectors
• There are some hotspots in the county but the CAP is mostly focusing on countywide implementation.
• Most projects are focused on not changing their programs but instead prioritizing placement of them.

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• Nearly done. The final draft will be submitted for comments by the end of September.

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Lycoming County Conservation District: 570-433-3003
• LCCD Natural Resource Planner: Eve Adrian
• Website: http://www.lyco.org/Departments/Conservation-District

Montour County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Agriculture and nutrients from lack of riparian buffers
• Municipal storm water 

Highlights of CAP:

• Teamed up with Sullivan and Columbia counties to formulate CAP programs
• Focused heavily on agriculture (already working with over 350 farms) and urban areas

CAP progress: Implementation phase

• Already doing lots of work with farmers and are reaching 85-90% compliance.

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Montour County Conservation District: 570-271-1140
• MCCD District Manager & Bay Technician: Sean Levan
• Website: http://montourccd.com/
• They are there to protect the public's resources. For any concerns or interest, make a connection.

Northumberland County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Abandoned mine drainage (central eastern)
• Agricultural nutrient loads (northern and southern)

Highlights of CAP:

• Structured into 4 initiatives.

1. Sorting through existing programs that might overlap with CAP goals
2. Enhancing and expanding data tracking efforts on already existing programs 
3. Identifying new places for BMPs
4. Highlighting research, education and training opportunities.

CAP progress:

• Working on finalizing final draft for submission in September

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Northumberland County Conservation District: 570-495-4665
• NCCD CAP Coordinator Matt Vanaskie
• Website: https://www.nccdpa.org/

Potter County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Agricultural issues (nutrients) 
• Sedimentation from dirt roads/storm water runoff
• Aquaculture & fish hatchery (nutrients)

Highlights of CAP:

• Large stakeholder involvement
• Focusing on forestry/forest management and moving forwards with BMPs in forested regions

CAP progress: Development phase

• Initial draft is written and will be submitted after follow-up meeting with stakeholders

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Potter County Conservation District: 814-274-8522
• PCCD District Manager: Jason Childs
• Website: https://pottercd.com/
• Reach out! They are looking for citizens to give feedback and be involved.

Schuylkill County:
Main county waterway issues: 

• Agriculture (nutrient management)
• Abandoned mine drainage
• Flood mitigation and recovery

Highlights of CAP:

• Focusing on priority areas including agriculture, natural resources, municipal efforts, data management and routine waterway management
• Switching focus to natural restoration efforts like riparian buffers

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• Working on initial draft to be submitted for comment 
• Final draft is due by the end of September

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Schuylkill County Conservation District: 570-622-3742
• SCCD District Manager: Jenna St. Clair
• Website: https://www.schuylkillcd.com/
• Contact them. They have resources and connections to provide to the community.

Snyder County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Agriculture (nutrients and sedimentation)

Highlights of CAP:

• Union and Snyder are working together on the CAP
• Focused heavily on agriculture with help from agriculture stakeholders
• Prioritized several small watersheds within the county

CAP progress:

• Final draft is due for review on August 26th 
• Want to redraft the plan one last time to allow for larger goals to be achieved

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Snyder County Conservation District: 570-837-3000
• SCCD District Manager: Jason Winey
• Website: http://www.snyderconservation.org/
• Outreach for potential stakeholders is underway.

Sullivan County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Flooding
• Abandoned mine drainage
• Nutrients

Highlights of CAP:

• Focusing on flooding, abandoned mine drainage and nutrients

CAP progress: Development phase

• Currently in the drafting phase

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Sullivan County Conservation District: 570-928-7057
• SCCD E&S Technician: Lynn Broschart
• Website: https://www.sullcon.com/
• Reach out, since potential volunteers or assistance may be needed going forward.

Susquehanna County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Agriculture (nutrients)
• Storm water management
• Forest management

Highlights of CAP:

• Partnered with Lackawanna and Luzerne counties
• Focused on overall water quality, soil health, and getting people involved

CAP progress:

• Recently submitted initial plans
• Final draft due by end of September

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Susquehanna County Conservation District: 570-782-2105
• SCCD CAP Coordinator: Josh Larsons
• Website: https://www.suscondistrict.org/
• If you have any projects or ideas reach out to the conservation district they are very willing to help

Tioga County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Acid mine drainage

Highlights of CAP:

• Focusing on mostly agriculture and some municipal waste

CAP progress: Development phase

• Working on drafting the initial draft

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Tioga County Conservation District: 570-724-1801
• TCCD District Manager: Erica Tomlinson
• Website: http://www.tiogacountypa.us/Departments/Conservation_District/Pages/ConservationDistrict.aspx
• Reach out! They welcome anyone who is interested.

Union County:
Main county waterway issues:

• Agricultural impairment
• Sediment control

Highlights of CAP:

• Working with HRG engineering and Snyder county putting together the CAP program
• Focused heavily on agricultural impairment and sediment control. 
• Organized focus groups to prioritize efforts
• Looking to expand soil health testing, stream restoration and connections with municipalities

CAP progress: Developmental phase

• Ready to submit the final draft to DEP for comment
• Next phase is going to be doing outreach for new involvement within the CAP

Contacts and what you can do at home:

• Union County Conservation District: 570-524-3860
• UCCD District Manager: Eric Nyerges
• Website:https://www.unioncountypa.org/departments/conservation-district/conservation-district/page.aspx?id=1557
• Help to identify issues and raise awareness is always welcome.

Wyoming County:
Does not have one, according to the county conservation district officials, who stated Wyoming County is considered a minimal loading county by the DEP, meaning that impacts from waterways in this county have minimal impact on the greater watershed.