Kiera Jefferson
Pennsylvania has a long history of polluted waterways, with 33% of its streams impacted by pollutants, according to a 2022 report. The state's economy has historically relied on extractive industries, and coal mining's toxic legacy remains a leading cause of water impairment. Other sources of pollution include stormwater runoff, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and combined sewer overflows. While there have been efforts to restore water quality, such as the Clean Water Act, Pennsylvania still faces challenges in meeting its pollution-reduction targets and protecting its waterways from the fracking industry and other extractive practices.
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Stormwater runoff
The problem is exacerbated by the increase in precipitation that Pennsylvania has experienced since the 1970s, with a 10% rise in rainfall leading to a greater volume of stormwater and, consequently, increased stream pollution. This trend is expected to continue, with an estimated 8% increase in precipitation by 2050. The impact of stormwater runoff is not limited to the quantity of water but also its temperature. As runoff travels over concrete and asphalt pavement, it draws heat, raising the temperature of the water. This poses a threat to aquatic life, particularly species that require cold, oxygen-rich water, such as Pennsylvania's iconic brook trout and the Eastern hellbender, the state amphibian.
The consequences of stormwater runoff extend beyond the ecological, with social and recreational impacts as well. The impairment of waterways due to stormwater runoff can affect water supply, aquatic life, recreation, and fish consumption. It is important to note that the impact of stormwater runoff is not limited to a single source. Instead, it is a complex mixture of both urban and agricultural runoff, with pollutants from various human activities.
To address the challenges posed by stormwater runoff, communities in Pennsylvania are adopting nature-based solutions, often referred to as "green infrastructure." This includes the implementation of rain gardens, street trees, constructed wetlands, permeable pavement, and streamside forests. These practices aim to slow down and filter stormwater runoff, allowing it to soak into the ground or evaporate instead of rapidly flowing into water bodies.
In addition to green infrastructure, Pennsylvania is also focusing on stormwater management at the residential level. Residents are encouraged to reduce stormwater runoff through practices such as using soaker hoses instead of sprinklers, minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and properly disposing of grass clippings and leaves. Local governments are playing a crucial role by incorporating these techniques into their stormwater ordinances, with over 1,000 local governments now considered "MS4s," requiring permits under the federal Clean Water Act to address stormwater issues.
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Industrial waste
Another source of industrial waste impacting Pennsylvania's waters is the Elizabethtown Landfill Superfund site, which accepted industrial and municipal wastes from 1958 to 1973. The Heleva Landfill Superfund site, a former open-pit iron ore mining operation, also accepted unconfirmed types and amounts of industrial wastes, including solvents, contaminating the groundwater.
The East Mount Zion Superfund site in Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania, is another example of industrial waste impacting local waters. From 1955 to 1972, this 10-acre landfill accepted municipal and industrial waste, leading to groundwater contamination.
In addition to these Superfund sites, industrial waste is also addressed in Pennsylvania's wastewater treatment requirements. The state has regulations in place for industrial waste permits and pollution incident prevention plans. The Clean Streams Law defines industrial waste and outlines the required degrees of treatment for it.
Pennsylvania also approves the use of recycled water for industrial applications, including boiler feed water, cooling water, hydraulic fracturing, and industrial process water. The state has guidelines and regulations in place for the reuse of treated municipal wastewater in industry, with samples taken at discharge points to monitor for pollutants.
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Agricultural runoff
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) 2012 Integrated List of All Waters revealed that agricultural sources are the leading cause of impaired water bodies in the state. This includes approximately 5,700 miles of streams impaired for aquatic life, recreation, and water supply due to agricultural activities. The impact of agricultural runoff is particularly evident in Lancaster County, where urbanization, industrial development, and transportation have contributed to the impairment of over 1,400 miles of streams.
To address this issue, Pennsylvania has implemented various initiatives and programs. The Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP), administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, aims to restore and maintain stream health through urban stormwater management. The state has also received Section 319 NPS Program grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support priority watershed projects. Additionally, the Growing Greener Grant Program focuses on local, watershed-based planning, restoration, and protection efforts to enhance Pennsylvania's water resources.
While these efforts are underway, Pennsylvania faces challenges in meeting its pollution-reduction targets. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2021 State of the Blueprint report highlighted that the state needs to accelerate pollution reduction measures, particularly in agriculture. More than 90% of the required nitrogen pollution reductions must come from agricultural practices, including rotational grazing and improved soil and water conservation.
One effective strategy to control agricultural runoff is the establishment of protective forest buffers around streams. These streamside forested buffers, consisting of native trees and shrubs, can significantly reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution. However, Pennsylvania has lagged in meeting its commitments for establishing these buffers, impacting its ability to restore water quality in rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.
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Coal mining
The issue of AMD is particularly prevalent in the Bituminous Coalfield and Anthracite Coalfields regions of Pennsylvania. The soft coal of the Bituminous Coalfield has impacted the West Branch Susquehanna River and Juniata River Subbasins, while the hard coal of the Anthracite Coalfields has affected the eastern portion of the Susquehanna River Basin. In Tioga County, five large deep mine discharges have rendered the Tioga River lifeless, and a partnership between the SRBC and various state departments is working to improve the water quality.
Acid mine drainage has severe environmental and health impacts. It can eliminate aquatic life, pollute drinking water sources, and impact tourism and recreation. The treatment and restoration of affected waterways can be costly and time-consuming, requiring millions of dollars and years of work. In Pennsylvania, progress is being made, with projects like the Tioga River AMD Treatment Plant, which will treat millions of gallons of polluted water and improve water quality in the area.
In addition to AMD, coal mining can also contribute to other forms of water pollution. For example, stormwater runoff from coal mining sites can carry pollutants such as sediment, heavy metals, and chemicals into nearby waterways. Coal mining can also lead to increased erosion, which can result in higher levels of sediment and pollutants in the water. These issues can have long-lasting impacts on water quality and the surrounding ecosystems.
Overall, coal mining has had a significant impact on water pollution in Pennsylvania, particularly through abandoned mine drainage and stormwater runoff. While efforts are being made to restore and improve water quality, the legacy of coal mining continues to affect the state's waterways.
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Nitrogen pollution
Agriculture is a major contributor to nitrogen pollution in Pennsylvania. The state's agricultural runoff contains high levels of nitrogen, impacting both groundwater and surface water sources. In addition to agricultural sources, nitrogen pollution in Pennsylvania's waterways is also attributed to stormwater runoff, industrial waste, and combined sewer overflows. Streams in counties like Lancaster and Elk are particularly affected by these sources of pollution.
To address nitrogen pollution, Pennsylvania has implemented various measures. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's (CBF) Clean Water Blueprint, established in 2010, aims to restore water quality in the region's rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. While Pennsylvania led the watershed states in reducing nitrogen pollution by 4 million pounds in 2020, it is not on track to meet its 2025 pollution reduction targets. The state has been criticized for its lack of investment in financial and technical resources to implement practices such as rotational grazing and soil and water conservation plans.
One effective method to reduce nitrogen pollution is planting protective forest buffers, or streamside buffers, along waterways. These buffers, consisting of native trees and shrubs, help control pollution from erosion, manure, and fertilizers. However, Pennsylvania has fallen short in establishing these forest buffers, achieving just over a quarter of its two-year milestone commitment by 2021.
Additionally, Pennsylvania has made progress in improving wastewater treatment. The state is on pace to meet its 2025 Blueprint targets for wastewater ahead of schedule by installing better technology at treatment plants and enhancing existing treatment processes. These efforts have contributed to reducing nitrogen pollution in Pennsylvania's waterways.
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Frequently asked questions
The top three major sources of water quality impairment in Pennsylvania are stormwater runoff, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water quality impairment in Pennsylvania, impacting over 3,502 miles of waterways. It can carry pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment into nearby streams and rivers, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life.
Industrial waste has historically been a major contributor to water pollution in Pennsylvania, with industries such as coal mining and fracking recklessly polluting streams and groundwater across the state. In recent years, industrial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution has led to fish consumption advisories in certain areas.
Agricultural runoff is a significant source of water pollution in Pennsylvania, particularly from nitrogen pollution. While the state has made some progress in reducing nitrogen pollution, it is not on track to achieve its 2025 pollution reduction requirements. One proposed solution is establishing a dedicated state agricultural cost-share program to help farmers invest in conservation practices such as planting protective forest buffers around streams to control pollution from erosion, manure, and fertilizers.
