Water is one of the State’s most valuable natural resource. Clean water is a necessary component of life. Water is necessary to sustain life and required by all living things and must be protected for public health and economic development. One of the major sources of water quality impairment from agriculture is the sediment, often laden with nutrients or chemicals absorbed into the soil particles, that enters streams and rivers as a result from soil erosion. Concentrated animal production sites are of particular environmental concern because of the potential for nutrient and bacterial contamination of water resources.
The District:
- Encourages local citizens to solve their water problems through group action, watershed associations, and by the use of the facilities under existing public laws (Locally Led Conservation)
- Acts as sponsor for feasible watershed protection and flood prevention projects under Public Law 566 in the county
- Continues active involvement in local water quality improvement initiatives including the Stony Creek Conemaugh River Improvement Project, the Casselman River Watershed Association, the Kiski-Conemaugh River Alliance, and the Quemahoning Creek Regional Geographic Initiative
- Provides general information assistance with General Permit applications for individuals working in or near waters of the Commonwealth
- Provides Act 6 Nutrient Management Law information and assistance
- Provides public educational information on the importance of water quality and quantity
- Continues erosion and sediment pollution control technical support through the Chapter 102 E&S Program and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permitting Program