Environmental, Watershed Groups Appeal Stormwater Permit For Proposed Swiftwater Solar Project In Monroe County

On August 16, environmental and watershed groups announced they appealed DEP’s NPDES stormwater permit for a proposed Swiftwater Solar Project in Pocono Township, Monroe County citing potential harms to an exceptional value stream.

“PennFuture and Brodhead Watershed Association appealed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater erosion and sediment control permit approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the proposed Swiftwater Solar development in Pocono Township, Monroe County,” said Abigail M. Jones, PennFuture’s Vice President of Legal and Policy. “Our decision to appeal this permit is based on the fact that the Swiftwater Solar project will, as proposed, destroy 470 acres of mature woodlands – over 73% of the site – at the top of Bear Mountain, forever changing the landscape and the ability of the property to protect the health of the adjacent special protection waters: Swiftwater Creek, Dry Sawmill Run, and Scot Run.

“Our groups support renewable energy and a rapid transition to a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania, but not at the expense of those waters that are recognized as being the cleanest, most pristine waters in the Commonwealth. 

“And the law is clear, the water quality of Exceptional Value streams - like Swiftwater Creek - cannot be degraded. No exceptions. 

“To allow this project to go forward would result in the degradation of three special protection waters, including a rare Exceptional Value stream, in violation of PA’s water quality regulations. 

“The siting, design, and massive amounts of construction and clearcutting involved for this particular solar installation is unfortunately so harmful to the local waters that we cannot support it. 

“Our groups have taken the necessary step of challenging the approval of this project to protect creeks that we have fought for decades to preserve.”

Click Here for the Notice of Appeal filed with the Environmental Hearing Board.

Related Articles:

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal: Protecting The Water While Harvesting Sunshine, Researchers Say Stormwater From Solar Energy Fields Needs Careful Management

-- Poconos Region Special Protection Streams Deliver $3 Billion In Economic Benefits [PaEN]

[Posted: August 16, 2022]  PA Environment Digest