PA Environment Digest Blog

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

House Hearing: Local Communities Ask For State, Federal Help After Devastating Floods

On April 29, at a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing, local officials detailed the 100-year storm is happening more consistently, and they are asking for increased resources and funding to save lives and protect households.

Severe weather has devastated communities with increasing regularity, destroying structures, damaging homes and posing a significant risk to lives.

“Our community suffered incredible damage to homes, businesses and schools in recent years, and our residents continue to pick up the pieces from the devastating losses that continue to affect all the families touched by recent floods,” said Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, who represents portions of Berks County. “Experts attempting to repair and alleviate flood risks acknowledged this problem is bigger than they can solve at the local level, and they are asking for more help at the state and federal level.”

Rep. Rusnock, who began her first term in the House in January, hosted the House Majority Policy Committee hearing on flood risk mitigation at the Muhlenberg Township Building.

“In July 2023 we saw incredible flash flooding, and while most of the attention focused on where we lost a building at Antietam High School, we saw significant damage throughout the region – including in Muhlenberg Township,” said Sen. Judy Schwank, who represents portions of Berks County. “We need to find solutions, and since we know there will be significant costs, the state will need to continue to partner with local and federal resources in a concerted effort to protect lives and property from future storms.”

“Every level of government has a role to play in protecting our communities and picking up the pieces after disasters,” said House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “The state’s water resources are a blessing, but in the wake of extreme weather we have seen the disastrous consequences. The key will always be partnerships and a collaborative effort to find solutions.”

Local officials detailed how excessive rainfall and contributing factors led to the flash floods on July 9, 2023.

Those factors included the region experiencing saturating conditions before enduring 8 inches of rainfall, stormwater planning that relied on streams to move water, blockages in the streams, a lack of stormwater systems, increased impervious surfaces, and a lack of infrastructure maintenance.

The House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Jim Bobeck, Muhlenberg Township Manager; Ken Bonkonski, Antietam School DistrictHead of Facilities; Hunter Ahrens, Mount Penn Borough Manager; Jill Whitcomb, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Acting Deputy Secretary for Office of Water Programs; Dean Druckenmiller, Berks County Conservation District Executive; and Pamela Stevens, Systems Design Engineering Civil Engineering Department Manager.

Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.

Click Here for House announcement.

Resource NewsClips:

-- Arkansas Advocate: President Denies Disaster Aid For Devastating Tornadoes, Flooding, Tells States To Do More

-- AP: Loss Of Federal Resilient Infrastructure Program Spells Disaster For Hundreds Of Communities, Their Projects

Brandywine Conservancy, Partners Release Brandywine Flood Study Report

On April 29, following an extensive study period, with a series of public outreach meetings and community engagement efforts, the Brandywine Conservancy announced the release of the final report of the Brandywine Flood Study.

Conducted in partnership with Chester County Water Resources Authority and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center, the Flood Study was launched in August 2023 in response to more frequent and extreme flooding events impacting communities along the Brandywine Creek in both Pennsylvania and Delaware.

This coordinated effort sought to better understand where and why flooding occurs in our watershed in order to identify the best approaches to protect our communities during future severe flooding events.

The Flood Study team conducted a broad analysis of flood risk in the Brandywine watershed, assessing impacts during intense storm and flooding events—including historic flooding, projections for future floods, and potential impacts of future precipitation, storm events, and land use based on the watershed’s projected population in the year 2100.

The study area encompassed the mainstem of the Brandywine Creek, including key tributaries in Chester and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania and downstream to impacted areas over the Delaware state line.

The final report includes a summary of the community outreach, data collection, and analyses conducted over the study period, along with an actionable suite of proposed flood mitigation recommendations throughout the watershed, presented in two distinct categories: structural and non-structural improvements.

“Anywhere there is water, there is the potential for flooding. Even with unlimited financial and technological resources, it would be impossible to eliminate all flood risks,” said Grant DeCosta, Director of Community Services for the Brandywine Conservancy.

“Despite those limitations, the Flood Study partners are confident that implementation of the structural and non-structural recommendations laid out in this report can meaningfully reduce future flood risks to communities throughout the Brandywine watershed, and—most importantly—help prevent future loss of life.”

Of the recommendations laid out in the report, structural mitigation measures are often the most visible, like the five major flood control dams and reservoirs that were built after extreme flood events during the early- and mid-20th century, which collectively provide over six billion gallons of flood storage capacity.

Study partners analyzed numerous structural project opportunities, including upgrades to existing flood control infrastructure, bridge and culvert replacements, low-head dam removal, floodplain restoration, and stormwater basin retrofits.

Ultimately, of the more than 300 individual sites evaluated, 16 were prioritized for their potential to reduce regional and localized flood risks, including 10 bridge replacements, four low-head dam removals, one floodplain restoration project on the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s campus, and upgrades to the existing Barneston Dam flood control structure in Chester County.

“The Brandywine Flood Study serves as a starting point for addressing the needs of the communities in the Brandywine watershed to prepare for, react to, and reduce the long-term impacts of the next and all future floods,” said Seung Ah Byun, Executive Director of the Chester County Water Resources Authority.

“Potential improvements vary in terms of scale, complexity, capacity, and expense, but each can play a role in mitigating the impacts of flooding in local communities in both Pennsylvania and Delaware.”

More than a dozen non-structural recommendations related to emergency planning, early warning systems, public education campaigns, and more robust road closure measures are also included in the report.

For developed areas within the 100-year floodplain, the report outlines strategies for enhanced floodplain management, flood insurance, and structural elevations, floodproofing, and voluntary buyouts.

The Study also calls for increased land preservation to ensure the long-term functionality of natural floodplains and open space, which act as sponges during storm events.

All of the implementation recommendations include both collaborative action and individual stakeholder projects.

“The Brandywine Flood Study is an important component of broader, multi-faceted efforts currently being undertaken by a variety of non-profit, government, academic, and private organizations to address flooding and its impacts on the communities in the Brandywine Creek watershed,” said Gerald Kauffman Jr., Director of the University of Delaware Water Resources Center.

“Achieving full implementation of this study’s potential will require engagement and collaboration from stakeholders throughout the watershed.”

The Brandywine Flood Study partners are committed to supporting the implementation of these strategies and to continue evaluating new opportunities to reduce localized and regional flooding in the future.

The Brandywine Flood Study was funded, in part, through grants from FEMA, PEMA, Chester County Government and Delaware County Council.

Multiple project partners contributed to the study, including the Stroud Water Research Center, West Chester University, and Meliora Design.

In addition, a Technical Advisory Committee was convened to include additional government officials, nonprofit organizations, and private entities.

Robust public and stakeholder engagement was a priority of the study. This was achieved through sustained efforts to engage the public and ensure that its input informed the technical flooding analyses.

There were diverse engagement options, including over 35 public meetings, listening sessions, and forums; over 1,500 public interactions; an online public survey; an interactive flood mapper; a media/communications toolkit; and a comprehensive project website.

Additional analysis of mitigation projects is currently underway throughout the watershed through ongoing studies in the Cities of Coatesville and Wilmington and in Downingtown Borough.

These complementary efforts will likely produce additional approaches and project sites to supplement those identified in the Brandywine Flood Study.

Click Here to view the Brandywine Flood Study report.

Resource Links:

-- Brandywine Conservancy, Partners Announce Launch Of Brandywine Creek Flood Study Following Historic Flooding From Hurricane Ida [PaEN]

-- Arkansas Advocate: President Denies Disaster Aid For Devastating Tornadoes, Flooding, Tells States To Do More

-- AP: Loss Of Federal Resilient Infrastructure Program Spells Disaster For Hundreds Of Communities, Their Projects

Pocono Heritage Land Trust: How A Local Man Turned Personal Tragedy Into A Forever Legacy In Monroe County

By Carol Hillestad

When his dear wife died, Warren “Mickey” Miller became the owner of 142 acres of land her family had assembled, acre by acre, over generations.

It is a beautiful place, at the heart of Barrett Township in Monroe County-- a gleaming marsh with rivulets that flow to Mill Run, cloaked in woodlands that protect the pure, clean water of the creek.

There was no doubt in Mickey’s mind that his wife Mary Ann’s wish was for the land to be conserved, protected from development, and never allowed to be sold.

Part of the land was in “Clean and Green.” But Mickey knew that this was not the permanent protection he wanted.

With his daughter Pam to help and guide him, Mickey soon met with Pocono Heritage Land Trust to discuss what the options were.

They laid out plans and possible ways to accomplish his goal. At the end of the meeting, Pam expressed her wish that nothing be changed during Mickey’s lifetime.

There would be plenty of time to create the dreamed-of nature preserve in years to come.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

In the prime of life, Pam became ill, very ill. Treatment didn’t work.

On a warm spring day in 2024 the beloved daughter, wife, mother and grandmother was laid to rest in Mountainhome.

Deeply grieving the loss of his only child, and now in his 90s, Mickey was determined to follow through on the plan to protect the property.

Now, he had a new motivation: to name the property in his daughter’s memory. Within months, he met again with Pocono Heritage Land Trust.

The simplest way forward was to transfer ownership of the land to PHLT by donating it.

The director of the land trust, Louise Troutman, explained the steps. Legal documents had to be drawn up.

A survey of the property was necessary. A carveout had to be created for the existing farmhouse, to allow a long-time tenant and friend to stay in the home he loved.

Mickey worked through every objection and overcame every obstacle to achieve his goal.

On March 10, 2025, the documents were signed.

And soon a sign will rise on Sand Spring Road marking the “Pamela Miller Weinberg Nature Preserve” — the land protected forever.

People conserve their land for many different reasons. Farmers who don’t want their family fields turned into warehouses. Landowners who care about the scenic beauty of our area. Families who value their heritage. Heirs who want to memorialize a loved one.

By protecting Mill Creek, the preserved land protects scenic views, drinking water, fish habitat, wildlife, and property values throughout the area.

Barrett Township Supervisors contributed funding from the Township’s Open Space account toward survey costs for the project.

For Mickey Miller, creating this preserve was about loyalty to his principles, to his wife, and to generations past.

And love for a daughter, gone too soon.

Visit the Pocono Heritage Land Trust website to learn more about land conservation.

[Posted: April 29, 2025] PA Environment Digest

Tuesday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - 4.29.25

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

-- Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion]

House Voting Schedule

May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 24

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30

-- Committee Schedule

Senate Voting Schedule

May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

-- Committee Schedule

TODAY’s Calendar Of Events

TODAY 10:00: House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on flood risk and mitigation. Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street, Reading. 10:00 a.m. Click Here to watch online.

April 30-- Agenda Posted. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 9:00 a.m.

April 30-- In-Person. Delaware River Basin Commission Public Input Session On Climate Resilience Plan. Liberty, New York.

May 1-- House Finance Committee hearing on House Bill 500 (Inglis-D-Allegheny) part of Governor’s Lightning Energy Plan to repurpose the EDGE Tax Credit Program to support adding reliable energy generation to the grid tax credit, a regional clean hydrogen tax credit and a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit [Read more here]. Room 523 Irvis Building. 1:00 p.m. Click Here to watch online.

May 1-- House Republican Policy Committee hearing on exploring Pennsylvania’s energy potential. Outdoor Insiders, 310 Outdoor Drive, New Milford, Susquehanna County. 10:00 a.m. Click Here for online availability.

May 1-- Virtual. DEP Virtual Update On State Response To Energy Transfer/Sunoco Twin Oaks Pipeline Leak In Bucks County. 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

May 1-2-- Agenda Posted. Interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission meeting. Washington, D.C.

May 5-- [Tentative Agenda] House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee meets to consider House Bill 1233 (Siegel-D-Lehigh) establishes a stewardship program for safe disposal of portable and medium format batteries up to 25 pounds; House Resolution 192 (Hill-Evans-D-York) designating June 8-14 as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week. Room 205 Ryan Building. 11:00 a.m. Click Here to watch online.

May 6-- Virtual. EPA Virtual Hearing On Proposed Permit For A Sandstone Development Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well In Lafayette Twp., McKean County. 6:00 p.m.

-- DCNR: Combined Efforts Of 150 Firefighters Have Stopped The Michaux State Forest Wildfires In Cumberland County From Growing [PaEN]

-- PennLive: Michaux Forest Fires Getting Under Control, But You May See More Smoke

-- Williamsport Sun: Wildfires Affect Wildlife In A Number Of Different Ways

-- EPA Will Hold May 6 Virtual Hearing On Proposed Permit For A Sandstone Development Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well In Lafayette Twp., McKean County [PaEN]

-- Republican Herald: Schuylkill County Drug Take Back Day Collects 825 Pounds

-- Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership: Trees Across PA Will Thrive With Grants To Nine Partner Groups [PaEN]

-- Warren Times: Warren Conservation District Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting

-- DCNR Celebrates Induction Of PA Wilds Forest Areas In Lycoming, Tioga Counties Into The National Old-Growth Forest Network [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Kicks Off 9th Season Of Centred Outdoors Adventures The Week Of May 4 [PaEN]

-- Wilkes-Barre Times: Local Use Of eBikes Soars In Luzerne County

-- Williamsport Sun - Bill Bower: Reflections In Nature: Acorns Provide Wildlife With Best, Most Reliable Food