ANNUAL DISTRICT WORK PROGRAM

Primary Goals and Objectives

1. Reduce sediment pollution and related non‑point source pollution to our local waterways through our programs and efforts, thus improving water quality in Delaware County
2. Strive for continual improvements in environmental quality throughout Delaware County by implementing and promoting programs that most effectively utilize our natural resources
3. Ensure future concern for environmental quality in Delaware County by supporting and/or conducting effective environmental education
4. Improve communication and coordination between all public and private sources that focus attention on land, water, and related natural resource problems

Program Categories and Areas of Concern

1. Watershed Protection
   1. Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control

Conduct a comprehensive erosion and sediment control program to address the sediment pollution problems in Delaware County, the major component of which shall be implementation of our Delegation of Authority Agreement for Chapter 102 – Erosion & Sedimentation Control and NPDES Construction Permitting

TASKS (Required Output Measures)

1. Erosion & Sediment Plan Reviews: Assist local municipalities and developers by conducting timely plan reviews. Review times for non-permit related E&S plans will attempt to be held to a maximum of 22 business days. Timelines outlined in Standard Operating Procedures will be followed for all permitted projects.
   1. Complaint Investigations: Investigate all complaints received. Refer all complaints not within our jurisdiction to the appropriate agency. Attempt to obtain voluntary compliance to sediment pollution violations. Conservation Technician(s) will make every effort to inspect sites within a timely fashion, and/or within 8 business days from receiving a new complaint.
   1. Routine Inspections:Conduct routine inspection of all individual NPDES permitted sites once within the first 20 business days of active earthmoving if known and then once every 65 business days during active construction.
   1. Attempt to schedule a minimum of one field inspection of every general NPDES permitted site involving 5 or more acres of earth disturbance acknowledged once within 35 business days, and then on as-needed basis during the period the site is under construction. NPDES General Permitted sites involving 1 to less than 5 acres of earth disturbance shall be inspected on an as-needed basis.
   1. Keep well-informed of revisions to both the NPDES regulations and Chapter 102 Erosion Control regulations.
   1. Coordinate compliance activities with local municipalities and send them copies of all inspection reports.
   1. Improve our efficiency and effectiveness by utilizing computer databases to track inspections, reviews, and complaints.
   1. In cooperation with the Conservation Districts in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, continue to plan, develop, and conduct regional informational seminars on important environmental topics.
   1. Implement our 2022 Fee for Services Schedule. Examine these fees for both revenue and administrative changes resulting from State program revisions.
   1. District Manager and Permitting Manager to maintain and expand our email distribution list for engineers to be able to send out information as opportunities, issues, or news relating to NPDES permits develops.

• Stormwater Volume Control

Work towards the implementation of practices and planning efforts to maintain groundwater supplies and base flow levels in our local streams. This goal will simultaneously reduce stream bank erosion and flooding.

TASKS

1. Obtain information on stormwater volume control such as infiltration facilities, green roofs, created wetlands, rain gardens, and porous paving.
   1. Encourage the preservation and enhancement of wetlands and other natural seepage areas.
   1. Address stormwater quantity and quality to the extent permitted by DEP delegation agreements through NPDES Permit reviews.
   1. Inspect BMPs for stormwater volume control at all construction sites where they are required.
   1. Coordinate with Delaware County Planning Department the need to update our Stormwater Act 167 Watershed Plans. Participate in relevant committees and task forces to provide guidance for the development of the proposed Countywide Act 167 Plan.

• Non-Point Source Pollution Prevention

Reduce non‑point sources of pollution to the County’s water resources

TASKS

1. Work with the rural, urban, and suburban communities to reduce sediment pollution problems through conservation practice or best management practice implementation.
   1. Encourage landowners to utilize the soil testing services of Penn State University prior to applying fertilizers and soil supplements to their property.
   1. The cooperative agreement with Chester County to provide agricultural related technical service will be implemented during fiscal year 2024 / 2025. The PA Department of Agriculture will continue to fund $3,750.00 towards this effort.
   1. Accumulate information on all programs dealing with non‑point source pollution.
   1. Watershed Specialist will continue to develop and participate in partnerships with groups interested in improving water quality. Communities in Environmental Justice areas will be targeted for outreach and project implementation, as will those in watersheds who are not currently supported by an active watershed association.
   1. Watershed Specialist will continue to implement and promote with partners the Trees for Watersheds Grant Program in 2025.

• Stream & Wetland General Permitting

Implement the delegation agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection for Chapter 105 – Water Obstruction and Wetland Protection

TASKS

1. Conduct limited reviews of general permit notifications for stream encroachment activities to ensure compliance with all special environmental protection conditions.
   1. District website should provide links to all required permit application forms on DEP’s website.
   1. Implement Chapter 105 Delegation Agreement.
   1. Conduct informational and educational training efforts on the Chapter 105 program as part of our Chapter 102 efforts.
   1. PNDI database searches will be required for all Chapter 105 general permits to avoid impacts to threatened and endangered species.
   1. Chapter 105 permit processing fees will be deposited in the Delaware County Conservation District Clean Water account. They will be tracked separately from NPDES permit fees and utilized as permitted by the delegation agreement.
   1. Chapter 105 general permit processing – conduct timely reviews, and process permit applications. Attempt to maintain a review time consistent with standard operation procedures of 43 business days.

• Low Volume Road Program

Funding for projects that both improve low volume roads and environmental quality.

TASKS

1. Quality Assurance Board (QAB) to be organized to function as required by the program.
   1. Promote municipalities’ involvement in the program and solicit suitable projects for participation.
   1. Continue to promote municipal employees to attend required training for participation in the program.
   1. All potential contracts will be forwarded to County Council for review and concurrence with the approved process.
   1. Receive, review, and approve project for funding, develop contracts, and oversee completion.
   1. Coordinate on-site technical assistance with the Penn State Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies as needed or as requested by municipalties.

1. Agricultural Land Preservation

The Agricultural Land Preservation Program will continue to be implemented by the Conservation District staff.

TASKS

1. Monitor the existing easements on two farms totaling nearly 200 acres. The two easements will be required to be inspected again in 2025.
   1. Support the formation of additional agricultural security areas.
   1. We should continue to monitor for any renewed interest, or state program revisions that could impact qualifications for additional participation in Delaware County

1. Environmental Education

Assist school districts, scouting organizations, civic groups, etc. in their environmental education efforts.

TASKS

1. Inform the above organizations by personal contact, survey letter, website, or newspaper articles of the assistance available.
   1. Keep valuable information pamphlets from all our cooperating agencies in stock.
   1. Give group presentations upon request concerning areas of District involvement.
   1. Support the development and utilization of outdoor classrooms and nature centers.
   1. Conduct a Conservation Poster Contest.
   1. Coordinate the annual high school level Envirothon. Recruiting new advisors and schools should be a priority in 2025.
   1. Provide judging assistance to the Delaware County Science Fair sponsored by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit.

1. Community Outreach
   1. Environmental group networking: establish and maintain a link of communication between the District and environmental groups and organizations

TASKS

1. Stay current on environmental, conservation, and related issues in Delaware County and the Delaware River Basin.
   1. Continue to manage Facebook page and YouTube page to highlight staff achievements, educational information, and completed projects.
   1. Watershed Specialist to develop a working relationship with all watershed organizations operating in Delaware County this will include municipal environmental advisory councils, shade tree commissions, etc.
   1. Watershed Specialist to provide advice and assistance to groups that receive Growing Greener and other watershed protection grants.
   1. Watershed Specialist to seek possible grant funding for both Conservation District projects and projects in cooperation with other environmental groups and organizations.
   1. Watershed Specialist to maintain an e-mail distribution list to send out information to these groups as opportunities, issues, or news develops.
   1. Support the formation of environmental advisory councils, environmental groups in watersheds or in general where needed environmental advocates would be beneficial.

• General public outreach: Inform the residents of Delaware County of the services and activities conducted by the District

TASKS

1. Develop an annual report by March 31
   1. Give notice to the public on District meetings.
   1. Be available for group presentations on the District and the need for conservation in Delaware County.
   1. Maintain our list of nominating organizations. Nominating organizations nominate Directors to County Council for the District Board.
   1. Continue to maintain communication and education efforts with the regulated community

• Natural Resource Agency Coordination and Cooperation
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service: support and utilize the services of the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

TASKS

1. Set priorities as necessary to guide the Natural Resource Conservation Service in providing technical services which will best meet the conservation needs of Delaware County. Direct all requests for soil survey information to NRCS’s website.
   1. Request assistance from NRCS in the monitoring of our agricultural land preservation easements.

• Cooperating agencies: Develop a strong working relationship with other agencies in Delaware County that have compatible goals and objectives.

TASKS

1. Continue to coordinate with PennDOT county maintenance unit on an annual review of their maintenance program.
   1. Refer phone information requests and cooperators to the best agency capable of addressing the question or problem.
   1. Invite all cooperating agencies to participate in District meetings and Envirothon programs.
   1. Be an active participant in the Master Watershed Steward program administered by Penn State Extension.

• County government: Cooperate with other departments in the Delaware County and other Conservation Districts in handling issues of mutual concern.

TASKS

1. Give priority to all assignments from County Council.
   1. The District Manager is to serve on the Sustainability Commission, and any sub-committee needed.
   1. The District Manager will keep the Office of Sustainability updated on issues relevant to “Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County”
   1. Keep informed on and support recycling, composting, hazardous waste collection and other environmentally sound efforts conducted by the Pennsylvania Resources Council.
   1. Assist the County Planning Department with various environmental projects such as Coastal Zone Task Force Green Space Task Force, Act 167 Stormwater Management Plans, and GIS
   1. Develop a program to satisfy the county’s MS4 requirements.
      1. Maintain the map of all storm sewer systems on county owned property with the assistance of the Department of Data and Mapping Innovation.
      1. Educate County employees on non-point source pollution.
      1. Identify any illicit discharges from County storm sewer outfalls.
      1. Develop and file County’s Annual Report
      1. Inspect recently acquired or identified properties for stormwater discharges.
   1. As directed by County Council, continue to serve as the coordinator for the County’s MS4 permit. Implement the requirements in our recently issued MS4 permit for the County that became effective July 1, 2022 and will expire June 30, 2027.

• Conservation District Development
  • Improved services: Maintain and develop the quality of services available from the District.

TASKS

1. Secure and maintain adequate staff.
   1. Develop methods to utilize the District’s computers to improve efficiency and quality. Explore opportunities to electronically file important documents and plans.
   1. Monitor and review the progress made towards the District’s Annual Program and the long-range plan.
   1. Update and improve Affiliate Membership Program. Additional funds received from Emergency Reviews, and Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) bulk grant should be utilized effectively.
   1. Continue to offer the District Mini-Grant Program with funds deposited in the Affiliate Membership account. Grants not to exceed $500.00 will be awarded at our April and November meetings.
   1. Work with municipalities to address potential areas of cooperation in the NPDES – Phase II, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permitting (MS4)
   1. Explore and develop a program for the solicitation of business, individual, and other non-tax dollar sources for funding of programs such as the Envirothon, Mini-Grants, and Poster Contest
   1. Continue to utilize the services of an accounting firm to manage our bank accounts and expenditures from our Clean Water and Affiliate Fund accounts.
   1. As our experience with COVID-19 demanded operational changes we should continue use of virtual meetings and use of e-mail to reduce postage costs.
   1.  Complete scanning of all hardcopies of files relating to permitting. Transition to accepting electronic submissions of permit applications and plans through Docuware

• National, state, and regional involvement: keep informed on conservation related issues on the state, national, and regional levels

TASKS

1. Attend the Executive Council meetings of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, as schedule and budget permits. This has been limited to the two regional meetings in recent years.
   1. Obtain funds for the payment of Pennsylvania Association of Conservation District annual dues to be paid at the beginning of each calendar year.
   1. Review and comment on all state and federal legislation, which directly involves the District.
   1. Continue to participate and pay annual dues to the Southeast Pennsylvania Resource Conservation & Development Council. The District Manager to serve on the board of directors.
   1. Keep well-informed of progress on implementation of the State’s water resources legislation.