Delaware River Basin CommissionDelaware River Basin CommissionDRBC_bae5da59-74fb-423c-b194-6fbb0a289a2aSupply — Managing both the quantity and quality of the Basin’s waters forsustainable use.Waterways — Managing the system of waterway corridors to reduce floodlosses, improve recreational experiences, and to protect, conserve andrestore riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Land Management — Integrating water resource managementconsiderations into land use planning and growth management whilerecognizing the social and economic needs of communities. Cooperation — Strengthening partnerships for the management ofwater resources among all levels of government, the private sector, andindividuals sharing an interest in sustainable water resources management.Stewardship — Providing opportunities to enhance appreciation andcommitment to the protection, improvement and restoration of the Basin’swater resources._f1f38520-2114-4949-a309-30506d01c898To provide a unified framework for addressing and redressing new and historic water resource issues and problems in the Delaware River Basin._b681dd48-693b-4f75-8a07-167e764ede05WaterWater is a precious and finite natural resource, it isessential to all life and vital to ecological, economicand social well-being.Equitable AllocationThe disparate distribution of water resourcesamong watersheds poses a challenge to equitableallocation and use.Ecological Integrity and Biological DiversityPrudent water management requires acommitment to ecological integrity and biologicdiversity to ensure a healthy environment; to adynamic economy; and to social equity for presentand future generations.Pollution PreventionThe most effective way to eliminate pollution is toprevent it’s occurrence.Integrated ManagementIntegrated management is crucial for soundresults. When making water resource managementdecisions:• Link water quality and water quantity with themanagement of other resources• Recognize hydrological, ecological, social andinstitutional systems• Recognize the importance of watershed andaquifer boundaries• Avoid shifts in pollution from one mediumto another and avoid creating a problem in adifferent location or environmental medium• Push the boundaries of technologic possibilitywhile balancing economic constraintsLand ManagementImproved land management is essential forimproving the condition of water resources.• Decision-making should be based on soundscientific principles and an understandingof the relationship between land and waterresources• Effective integrated management requirescoordinated planning and action by all levelsof government including federal, regional,state, and local levels• Existing planning efforts can provide thefoundation for improving land and waterresources managementStewardshipIndividually and collectively, we are responsiblefor the stewardship of our water resources throughtheir judicious use and management.• An informed public is vital to an improvedenvironmental future• Public–private partnerships and enhancedcooperation are necessary for improved results• Successful decision frameworks are thoseflexible enough to encourage and adapt toinnovations and new knowledgeLaws and Legal StructuresExisting legal structures and laws provide theframework in which management decisionsare made.Policies and Legal RequirementsDecision-making should give due consideration tothe policies and requirements in existing laws andthe legal rights of persons and entities potentiallyaffected by water management decisions.Legal AuthorityAuthority to make integrated managementdecisions shall be derived from existing law asapplicable, and may entail modifying or enactingnew laws.Legal StructuresLegal structures should be utilized that facilitatemanaging water resources within entire basins,watersheds, and aquifers, rather than on thebasis of political jurisdictional boundaries, whilecontinuing to respect the sovereignty of states andtheir political subdivisions.Sustainability, Feasibility, and Natural ViabilityIn water resources management, preferable actionsare those that are structured to accommodate andbe consistent with:• Preservation and enhancement of ecologicalintegrity• Sustainability• Feasibility• Resilience to natural variabilityDemand BalanceEquitably balance the multiple demands on the limited water resources of the Basin, while preserving and enhancingconditions in watersheds to maintain or achieve ecological integrity._d8b7d574-b417-4d09-a944-d9f1d653c4f81.1To equitably balance multiple demands, it is essentialto understand the types of human and ecological demands being made onthe hydrological system. To set realistic targets for preserving and enhancingconditions in watersheds to maintain or achieve ecological integrity, requires aclear understanding of existing conditions, and of the needs of aquatic and riparianpopulations. Those watersheds that currently approximate natural conditions shouldbe protected to preserve their ecological and hydrological functions and those thathave been degraded should be considered for restoration or enhancement.Assessing current water use. Improving our understanding of water use will helpus to manage resources more effectively and focus our efforts to promote efficientwater use. The generation of reliable data requires accurate and up-to-date recordson all ground water and surface water withdrawal allocations, wastewater dischargepermits, and connectivity among withdrawal, use, and discharge points. Datamanagement problems currently hamper the development of a precise water use anddischarge data set for all watersheds in the Basin. However, existing information forindividual watersheds can be used to estimate water use in other watersheds withsimilar conditions.A summary of water withdrawals, exports and consumptive use in the DelawareRiver Basin based on data from 1996 is shown in Figure 3. There are two majorexportations of water from the Basin. The largest (approximately 650 mgd) is toNew York City, which obtains around half of its water supply from a system of upperBasin reservoirs that provide the water and make releases to the river designed toensure a minimum rate of flow. The other major export (approximately 90 mgd)from the Basin is via the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which carries water tonortheastern New Jersey. Limitations on these exports, of 800 mgd and 100 mgdrespectively, were established by the Supreme Court Decree in 1954. The New YorkCity aqueduct system and the Delaware and Raritan Canal are illustrated inFigure 4.The largest water using sectors in the Basin are those of power generation,industrial use and public water supply. In recent years, at the Basin-wide scale,industrial water use has declined whereas water demand for power generation hasincreased. For public water supply, conservation efforts have helped keep demandsstable despite a growingpopulation.In response to actualand projected increasesin water demand for thepower generating sector,Merrill Creek Reservoirwas constructed in1989. During low-flowperiods releases are madefrom the reservoir tooffset the consumptiveuse at facilities thathave purchased storagecapacity in the reservoir,thus allowing themto continue operationwhere cut-backs inproduction wouldotherwise have beenrequired. Substantialcapacity in the MerrillCreek Reservoir iscurrently unused andis thus available forfuture purchase to offsetconsumptive use at newfacilities.Calculating water budgets. To help improve our understanding of how much water issafely available for use we need to understand water budgets on a watershed basis.A water budget is a description of the fate of water resources in a watershed, asillustrated in Figure 5. Budget “inputs” include precipitation and imports (transfersinto the system). Water inputs will become:• Evapotranspiration into the atmosphere• Direct flows to surface water bodies (runoff)• Indirect contributions to stream flow through the soil and water table• Recharge to deeper ground water aquifers• Consumptive losses associated with human use• Exports from the watershedThe proportion of water inputs that arrive at each destination is determined byclimate; geology, soils and topography; by the land use attributes of a watershed; andthe way we use water resources. Water budgets yield an average annual accountingof water volumes and do not reflect seasonal variation. Although the water budgetapproach has limitations, pilot studies are under way as part of state water supplystudies and a USGS-DRBC partnership to assess the feasibility of using waterbudgets as a screening tool for watershed assessments.Assessing in-stream flow and freshwater inflow requirements. Understanding the needsof aquatic ecosystems is essential to several Goals of the Basin Plan, including:• Assessing the amount of water available for allocation• Setting standards for improving conditions in watersheds and restoringnatural functions in stream corridors• Protecting threatened and endangered species• Improving operating plans for reservoirs• Setting appropriate criteria and standards for assessment and restoration within theBasin’s ecoregions are necessary to make sustainable water allocation decisions.Developing strategies for the allocation of water. Once both human and ecologicalneeds are understood, the challenge of achieving an equitable balance of themultiple demands on the hydrological system can be addressed. Prudent allocationstrategies may include curtailing water uses during drought conditions throughallocation decisions or use restrictions, and allocating water to areas with limitedwater resources as determined by calculated water budgets and availabilityassessments. Allocation strategies also need to honor the rights of the partiesdefined in the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree.Developing tools for assessing ecological integrity. The development of indices ofecological integrity that integrate the physical, biological and chemical requirementsof healthy aquatic and riparian ecosystems is critical for realizing restorationand enhancement goals as well as for developing appropriate water allocationstrategies. Key species or characteristics that are especially sensitive to changes inwater availability or quality should be identified. Understanding the relationship of ecoregions, ecological communities, and watersheds is integral to the developmentand application of relevant assessment protocols.Integrated Resource Management StrategyDevelop an integrated resourcemanagement strategy to determineamount of water available for allocationconsidering: 1) Water budget 2) Instreamflow needs 3) Ground wateravailability 4) Assessment tools5) Degree of hydrologic/biologicdisruption_24919fbb-0b9c-4e6d-a08c-afe45df305a91.1.AMILESTONE By 2005: Ground wateravailability and water budgetpilot studies completed.By 2006: Assessment toolsdeveloped.By 2007: Water budgetscompleted for all watersheds atappropriate scale.DESIRED OUTCOMEUse of tools in policyevaluationSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 4.2Ecological Integrity AssessmentAssess the ecological integrity ofwatersheds and integrate the criteriainto water allocation strategies_62c7528d-304b-481e-b0a2-4a954891ea3a1.1.BMILESTONE By 2007: In-stream flow needsestablished, criteria developed.By 2007: Natural hydrographestablished at appropriate scale.By 2008: Ecological needsincorporated into reservoiroperations and allocationdecisions.DESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement of monitoredbiologic and hydrologiccriteriaSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2Future TransfersDiscourage and where necessarymanage any expanded or futuretransfers of water and wastewaterinto or out of the Basin to minimizeand mitigate environmental orother negative impacts, while givingconsideration to feasible alternatives,the water needs of the sending basin,and the efficient use in the receivingbasin of available resources_3af34d8f-b5e0-4cb8-bbb3-cc621d3fbc961.1.CMILESTONE By 2006: Criteria developed forevaluating interbasin transfersDESIRED OUTCOMEEnvironmental andother negative impactsof interbasin transfersminimizedSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 4.1Transfer AssessmentAssess existing transfers of water andwastewater into or out of the Basin inlight of changes, such as new waterresource management strategies,technologies, storage, planning, and/ordemand_d5eaee4a-0e14-4724-b5de-74efebb8a1481.1.DMILESTONE By 2005: Include as part ofdocket, permit review, etc.Transfer ManagementManage future and expanded transfersof water and wastewater amongwatersheds to minimize and mitigateenvironmental or other negativeimpacts, while giving consideration tofeasible alternatives, the water needsof sending watershed and the efficientuse in the receiving watershed ofavailable resources_fa8dc12b-d60f-4298-9e5b-954e874e9bc51.1.EMILESTONE By 2010: Guidelines developedfor balancing needs amongwatershedsDESIRED OUTCOMEWatersheds accommodateplanned growth withminimal environmentalimpactsSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4Transfer AssessmentAssess existing watershed transfersof water and wastewater in light ofchanges, such as new water resourcemanagement strategies, technologies,storage, planning, and/or demand_adab2a94-8f82-46da-bdd6-c97dcfb7b7001.1.FMILESTONE By 2007: Include as part ofdocket, permit review, etc.Drought AllocationsFor future droughts ensure theequitable allocation of water suppliesfor essential domestic, commercial,industrial, power generation, andagricultural uses, while maintainingecological integrity of aquaticecosystems_44d3b62d-6e92-4e21-b9d4-857d343c796d1.1.GMILESTONE By 2006: Agreement onprinciples for water usecurtailment during droughtsDESIRED OUTCOMEReduced environmentaland economic severity ofdrought impactsSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1Aquatic Ecosystems and WildlifeEnsure an adequate supply of suitable quality water to restore, protect and enhance aquatic ecosystems and wildliferesources._7609425a-f276-4e03-8237-c58e2540f3881.2Aquatic ecosystems and wildliferepresent important users of the Basin’s waters. Protecting water quality for thoseuses is an integral part of the Clean Water Act, and of federal and state laws andDRBC regulations.Identifying the freshwater needs for aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Fresh watermust be available in adequate quantities for drinking, feeding, cleansing andreproduction. Resilient, healthy ecosystems adapt to changes within a natural rangeof variability. Changes that push the limits of that range may cause irreparable harmto communities of water-dependent animals and plants. Therefore, it is importantto understand ecosystem function, and the limits to the range of conditions thatecosystems and natural communities will tolerate.Water availability varies with geographic location and seasonal fluctuations in precipitationand temperature. It is also susceptible to change as a result of the patterns of humansettlement and water use. For example, the ways in which water is allocated touses within and outside of the stream (public water supply, industrial, commercial,agricultural, power production, etc.) and how water is returned to the stream (when,where, in what amounts, and of what quality) canhave a great influence on how streams provide forecosystem needs.In-Stream Flow and Estuary InflowIntegrate in-stream flow and estuaryfresh water inflow requirements for thesupport of healthy aquatic ecosystemsinto water resource regulations anddecision-making_88301cd6-5ec8-46e2-b869-dbd02f1e8f761.2.AMILESTONE 2005 - 2010: Criteria developedfor use in allocation andoperation strategiesDESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement of monitoredbiologic criteriaSUPPORTS GOAL 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1Water Quality Maintenance and ImprovementWhere water quality meets or is betterthan standards for the protection ofaquatic life and wildlife, implementanti-degradation regulations, policiesand/or other mechanisms to maintainor improve existing water quality_cfad28b9-6c2b-4bb3-9921-65ec077d4f431.2.BMILESTONE On-going: Agreement onnecessary anti-degradationmeasuresBy 2008: Develop criteria and astrategy to ensure water qualitysuitable to protect aquatic lifeand wildlifeDESIRED OUTCOMENo measurable degradationof water quality fromstandards in river andtributaries designated tosupport aquatic life andwildlifeSUPPORTS GOAL 1.2Regulatory and Nonregulatory MeansWhere water quality is not sufficientto protect aquatic life and wildlife,employ strategies to provide protectionthrough the implementation ofTMDLs and other regulatory and nonregulatorymeans_c8c33e83-6bbf-4181-bd42-99416c8708cf1.2.CMILESTONE Varies: Meet TMDL schedules.By 2008: Develop criteria and astrategy to ensure water qualitysuitable to protect aquatic lifeand wildlife.DESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement in parametersof concern.Improvement in metrics forwildlife health.SUPPORTS GOAL 1.2Public and Self-Supplied WaterEnsure an adequate and reliable supply of suitable quality water to satisfy public water supply and self-supplieddomestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and power generation water needs._65aa96c6-fa1e-442d-a5ff-ee979c6264951.3Projecting demandfor water for various human purposes includesidentifying how much, when, and where water willbe needed. Before we can ensure adequate waterresources for human purposes into the future, weneed to generate projections of population andsector water demand. These projections can then becompared to the water determined (through the waterbudget and available ground water assessments) tobe available for allocation — that is, available for usewithout impairing the ability of the water resourcebase to support healthy ecosystems. This will requiredeveloping a methodology and range of assumptionsto which the Basin partners are agreeable. Figure6 shows regional population change in the Basinbetween 1990and 2000.Projecting water needs for all use sectors, must consider estimates of consumptive use,water distribution system losses and the potential effects of various water conservationprograms. Projections must also take into account possible alternative futureconditions. This requires making a range of projections, reflecting a variety ofpossible scenarios. Figure 7 illustrates how differing future water demand scenariosrequire different levels of water supply development. This Plan requires that a studyof future water demands be undertaken to enable us to plan the necessary suppliesfor the next 30 years. While we can focus on what the most likely (forecast) outcomewill be, we can also examine the cost and benefits of alternative (high and low) waterdemand scenarios and the implications for resource development. This approachalso provides a method for testing the sensitivity of water use projections.Ensuring adequate supplies for future populations. This entails understanding andmanaging how and where growth will occur in order to fulfill expected demandand have the least detrimental impact on natural systems. If water stressed areasare identified for growth, then solutions to water supply problems need to bedetermined and planned. Lessons learned and legal constraints established inconnection with previous decisions on water transfers should be incorporated intowater resources decision-making in the future to meet state, regional and local plansfor growth management as well as ecological needs.The map in Figure 8 shows existing population density in the Basin regionsas of 2000, and areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey where special withdrawalrestrictions are in effect based on concerns for ground water levels.Normal SuppliesFor normal hydrologic conditionsensure supplies for projectedpublic and self-supplied domestic,commercial, industrial, agricultural, andpower generation demands through2030_e4adbb9b-f108-4a0b-9a9c-0ba64c123a451.3.AMILESTONE By 2006: Water use projectionscompletedBy 2008: Agreement onstrategies to meet future need.DESIRED OUTCOMENo reported supplyshortages under normalconditionsSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4. 4.1Supplies in Drought ConditionsPlan under drought of recordconditions, to provide adequatesupplies for projected public andself supplied domestic, commercial,industrial, agricultural, and powergeneration demands through 2030_3e47539a-b99d-4897-aac3-ba74ebe0e0461.3.BMILESTONE By 2006 : Water use projectionscompleted.By 2008: Agreement onstrategies to meet future need.DESIRED OUTCOMENo reported supplyshortages under droughtconditionsWater Use EfficiencyEnsure maximum feasible efficiency ofwater use across all sectors, prioritizingefforts based on the existence ofwatershed transfers and/or substantialconsumptive use; including promotingwater conservation technology andhabits, leak detection and repair,pricing incentives, etc._0bdccaa7-be13-4500-8a3b-0ef855bc720c1.3.CMILESTONE By 2008: Set efficiencymeasurements by sectorDESIRED OUTCOMEMeasurable and improvedefficiency of water useSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.4Reuse and RecyclingIncrease the beneficial reuse andrecycling of reclaimed water_1bad1fff-94b1-48ae-9c78-df8f7d9be0c51.3.DMILESTONE By 2020: 250 mgd (or needto be determined based onprojected demand)DESIRED OUTCOMEIncrease in beneficial reuse SUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.3, 1.4Water Quality Maintenance and ImprovementWhere water quality meets or is betterthan standards for the protectionof drinking water, implement antidegradationregulations, policies and/or other mechanisms to maintain orimprove existing water quality_24bb6898-9124-4d6c-ae1b-e44c57971acc1.3.EMILESTONE On-going: Agreement onnecessary anti-degradationregulationsDESIRED OUTCOMENo measurable degradationof water qualitySUPPORTS GOAL 1.3Regulatory and Non-Regulatory MeansWhere water quality does not meetstandards for the protection of drinkingwater, employ strategies to achievestandards through the implementationof TMDLs and/or other regulatory andnon-regulatory means_92578466-cb0c-4d86-9df6-0a1296b757e81.3.FMILESTONEVaries: Meet TMDL schedulesDESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement in parametersof concernSUPPORTS GOAL 1.3Public and Industrial Water QualityProtect the quality of public andindustrial water supplies by preventingthe isochlor from exceeding 180 ppmat river mile 98_86755b22-63de-4164-abf4-14a27b9efaef1.3.GMILESTONE On-going: No salinity impactsto public and industrial usersDESIRED OUTCOMESalinity @ RM 98, staysbelow 180 PPMSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3Flow and Transport Models and ToolsDevelop flow and transport models andtools to track large scale accidental andintentional contaminant releases to1) Assess the impacts to water intakesand basin water resources and 2) Directemergency response actions_5e0f1860-b628-4c37-9f6d-500ee5a5dfac1.3.HMILESTONE By 2006: Initial models andtools developedBy 2008: Models and toolsrefined; mock Disaster drilldevelopedDESIRED OUTCOMESuccessful implementationof emergency response toolsduring a mock disaster drillSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3Contingency PlansDevelop water supply contingencyplans to address critical water needs inthe event of the loss of usable sourcewater and water intake or distributioninfrastructure_ec0815dc-dea2-400d-a867-78e27d8354201.3.IMILESTONE By 2006: Initial water supplycontingency plans for highestpriority systems.By 2008: Water supplycontingency plans for nexthighest priority systems.DESIRED OUTCOMEWorkable, completed watersupply contingency plansSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.3Stream FlowsEnsure adequate and suitable quality stream flows for flow-dependent recreational activities._cdf4e05a-c190-47d7-af25-14b19ae74e121.4Assessing the flows needed for recreational purposes andplanning for flow management includes:• Defining the scope of flow-dependent recreational activities• Determining the needs of these activities• Setting operation strategies to be applied during periods of normal andsubnormal precipitation in the areas of the Basin where reservoir releasesare managed• Examining legal restrictions on the use of reservoir storageFlow-dependent recreational activities in the Basin, such as boating, swimmingand fishing, not only provide important physical, social and cultural benefits toBasin residents and visitors, but they also comprise an important sector of theBasin’s economy. Tourism dollars from the boaters, canoeists, anglers, and otherparticipants in water-dependent activities in the Basin are becoming increasinglyimportant. Recreation uses are also protected under the Clean Water Act’s “fishableand swimmable” requirements. For all of these reasons, it is important thatrecreational use of waterways continues to be valued and protected.An Adequate Supply of Suitable Quality WaterThe discussion thus far has focused primarily on determining and maintainingadequate supplies for human and ecosystem needs. However, a sustainable useof water resources also requires that, in using those resources, the quality bemaintained at a level that is adequate, both now and into the future, for all uses.Therefore, a true measure of water availability must also include water quality.Because many human activities have the potential to impact water quality, it isnecessary to understand the nature of those impacts, including those that haveoccurred, those that are occurring, and those that mayoccur in the future. Assessing the current quality ofthe Basin’s water resources, while identifying trendsand potential impacts, is an ongoing component in theprocess of maintaining or improving water quality.Assessing water quality. Ensuring that water qualitymeets or exceeds the needs of its intended userequires it to be assessed. To determine the actualquality of water in a stream or aquifer requires fieldmeasurements and laboratory analysis. Data must becollected over a period of time to adequately reflect thenatural range of hydrologic and climatic factors whichaffect water quality. A significant commitment of timeand resources is necessary because information needsto be collected for a duration sufficiently representativeof the natural variations or changes expected to occurin natural systems.Water quality must be monitored and assessedwith sufficient frequency and consistency to determineif the water quality is being maintained, improved ordegraded. Strong coordination and cooperation amongBasin partners is critical to ensure the development,implementation and monitoring of a comprehensiveset of criteria and indicators that define the qualityof Basin waters. Specifically, Basin partners must beable to coordinate the multi-jurisdictional monitoringefforts, agree on methodologies and criteria for sampling and assessment,and provide consistent and timely advice to the water resource community.Coordination and cooperation is also necessary to make the most efficient use oflimited fiscal and staff resources, and to provide adequate and reliable data.• Basin partners face the multiple challenges of building on existing monitoring andindicator programs, establishing robust sets of indicators for each of the Objectives inthis Plan, and implementing a coordinated monitoring network to accurately assesswater quality trends in the Basin.Maintaining water quality. This requires setting water quality criteria and agreeing onpermitting standards for discharges as well as providing tools and information thatwill prevent additional impacts from land development and management activities.Approaches may include:• Anti-degradation programs (e.g. designated uses, state protections for highquality and exceptional value streams, the DRBC’s Special Protection Waterdesignations and federal Wild and Scenic Rivers designations)• Stormwater management programs• Water quality-based trading programs (offsetting impacts from dischargesby equivalent reductions from other sources within the watershed)• A major challenge is to “keep our clean water clean” in areas with expected futureincreases in growth and development activity.Improving water quality. Where standards are not being met for designated uses,regulatory and non-regulatory strategies must be developed to identify pollutantsources and to achieve the standards. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) fordrinking water and ambient water quality have been set for many parameters.When monitoring reveals problems with any given substance of concern, the nextstep is to identify the source of the problem. For example, high levels of nitratesin well water can be attributed to a number of sources; faulty septic systems, theapplication of agricultural fertilizers, and livestock operations are the most likelysources in our region. Tracking the sources and taking steps to reduce or eliminatethe contamination may require the participation and cooperation of health,environmental and agricultural agencies as well as property owners and managers.The Basin states and the Commission are currently engaged in the developmentof Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for certain pollutants surface water bodiesin the Basin. The TMDL program is targeted at point and nonpoint sources ofpollutants of concern that prevent the attainment of a water body’s designated use.TMDLs are developed for each of the pollutants causing the impairments with loadallocations assigned to both point sources and nonpoint sources. Changes are madeto effluent requirements in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) permits based on these load allocations. Nonpoint source reductions arealso identified, and the application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) can beutilized to achieve the necessary reductions. BMPs can include changes in fertilizertype and use, greenways, etc.Depending on the pollutant of concern, other approaches to achieve thenecessary pollutant reductions may also be effective. For example, a pollutanttrading program, in which credit for greater reductions than required in theNPDES permit achieved at one or more point sources, may be traded to otherpoint sources to realize the overall load reduction. Similarly, pollutant reductionsin some nonpoint sources can be traded with other nonpoint or point sources to Coordination and cooperation is also necessary to make the most efficient use oflimited fiscal and staff resources, and to provide adequate and reliable data.• Basin partners face the multiple challenges of building on existing monitoring andindicator programs, establishing robust sets of indicators for each of the Objectives inthis Plan, and implementing a coordinated monitoring network to accurately assesswater quality trends in the Basin.Maintaining water quality. This requires setting water quality criteria and agreeing onpermitting standards for discharges as well as providing tools and information thatwill prevent additional impacts from land development and management activities.Approaches may include:• Anti-degradation programs (e.g. designated uses, state protections for highquality and exceptional value streams, the DRBC’s Special Protection Waterdesignations and federal Wild and Scenic Rivers designations)• Stormwater management programs• Water quality-based trading programs (offsetting impacts from dischargesby equivalent reductions from other sources within the watershed)• A major challenge is to “keep our clean water clean” in areas with expected futureincreases in growth and development activity.Improving water quality. Where standards are not being met for designated uses,regulatory and non-regulatory strategies must be developed to identify pollutantsources and to achieve the standards. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) fordrinking water and ambient water quality have been set for many parameters.When monitoring reveals problems with any given substance of concern, the nextstep is to identify the source of the problem. For example, high levels of nitratesin well water can be attributed to a number of sources; faulty septic systems, theapplication of agricultural fertilizers, and livestock operations are the most likelysources in our region. Tracking the sources and taking steps to reduce or eliminatethe contamination may require the participation and cooperation of health,environmental and agricultural agencies as well as property owners and managers.The Basin states and the Commission are currently engaged in the developmentof Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for certain pollutants surface water bodiesin the Basin. The TMDL program is targeted at point and nonpoint sources ofpollutants of concern that prevent the attainment of a water body’s designated use.TMDLs are developed for each of the pollutants causing the impairments with loadallocations assigned to both point sources and nonpoint sources. Changes are madeto effluent requirements in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) permits based on these load allocations. Nonpoint source reductions arealso identified, and the application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) can beutilized to achieve the necessary reductions. BMPs can include changes in fertilizertype and use, greenways, etc.Depending on the pollutant of concern, other approaches to achieve thenecessary pollutant reductions may also be effective. For example, a pollutanttrading program, in which credit for greater reductions than required in theNPDES permit achieved at one or more point sources, may be traded to otherpoint sources to realize the overall load reduction. Similarly, pollutant reductionsin some nonpoint sources can be traded with other nonpoint or point sources to the waters that flow through them, comprise the waterway corridors that providehabitat for aquatic life, recreational opportunities, flood control and a host of otherbenefits worthy of protection and enhancement. The next section of this Plan, “KeyResult Area 2: Waterway Corridor Management,” addresses the issues specific toimproving the management of our waterway corridors.Flow RegimesIntegrate consideration of flow regimesto support water-based recreation inthe river and tributaries into allocationand management decisions_71b9ec04-f0c7-43b3-b8b9-37bfef765a1e1.4.AMILESTONE By 2006: Recreational flowneeds quantifiedDESIRED OUTCOMEImproved flows for waterbasedrecreational activitiesSUPPORTS GOAL 1.5, 2.2Antidegradation Regulations and PoliciesWhere water quality meets or is betterthan standards for the protection ofrecreational uses, implement antidegradationregulations, policies, and/or other mechanisms to maintain orimprove existing water quality_1c9bfc4c-f6ed-408b-a05a-a0d1a549e0641.4.BMILESTONE On-going: Agreement onnecessary anti-degradationregulationsDESIRED OUTCOMENo measurable degradationof water qualitySUPPORTS GOAL 1.4Water Quality Standards ComplianceWhere water quality does not meetstandards for the protection ofrecreational uses, employ strategiesto achieve standards through theimplementation of TMDLs and/or othermechanisms_6e495181-ba1b-4784-9b72-bbb024d3fd091.4.CMILESTONE Varies: Meet TMDL schedulesDESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement in parametersof concernSUPPORTS GOAL 1.4Flood-Induced LossesPrevent or minimize flood-induced loss of life and property, and protect floodplain ecology._18278133-b888-4b12-9b8b-e293c32c39a62.1Identifying areas and structures within a community that are at risk fromflooding is the single most important step in mitigating future flood damage andloss. Community planning to reduce flood damage is critical, and guidance isavailable from federal and state agencies to help communities in this effort. Inaddition, flood forecasting and warning, maintenance of flood control structures,and stormwater management are all essential elements of controlling futureflood damage.Assessing flood hazards. Flood hazard information must be made available tocommunities so they can identify structures at risk and develop mitigation plans.This should include methods that can help communities plan to preventstructural loss.Developing pre- and post-development mitigation strategies. The Disaster MitigationAct of 2000 requires municipalities and states to develop hazard mitigation plansin order to remain eligible for post-disaster mitigation grants. Pre-developmentstrategies might include floodplain management, stormwater management, andproperty acquisition along stream corridors. Post-development strategies mightrange from maintenance of existing flood control structures to elevation or removalof buildings from the flood hazard area by property relocation or buy-out anddemolition. In addition, streambank restoration could follow building relocationor demolition.Linking flood control and stormwater management. Coordinating flood mitigation andstormwater management involves a vast array of agencies, departments, offices andprograms at all levels of government. A more detailed assessment of this challenge isin “Key Result Area 4: Institutional Coordination and Cooperation.”Taking steps to minimize the ecological impacts of floods. Landscape alterations thatoccur with human settlement include intrusions into the floodplain — includingstructures, roads, bulk heading, and the filling of wetlands — that can interfere withboth watershed hydrology and the floodplain’s ability to convey water. Damagingerosion and deterioration of stream channels, and the associated ecologicalconsequences, can be minimized through a combination of regulations andresponsible development decisions for stormwater and floodplain management andwetlands preservation.Stormwater control and flooding. The practice of removing stormwater from a site asquickly as possible, or controlling its peak flow rate but not its volume, combinedwith the extensive clearing of forested land that historically precedes humansettlement, has altered the hydrology of many watersheds in the Basin, severelyin some instances. The importance of stormwater management to reduce bothecosystem and property damage, along with steps to improve our current system ofmanagement, is explained in greater detail in “Key Result Area 3: Linking Land andWater Resource Management.”Enhancing flood forecasting. No matter what assessments and mitigation strategiesare implemented, adequate warning with regard to impending or potential floodevents remains the key to minimizing loss of life in flood events. The accuracy andreliability of hydrologic forecasting depends on adequate monitoring of precipitationand stream flow. In support of enhanced flood forecasting and warning capabilities,funding should be secured for the implementation of “Recommendations to AddressFlood Warning Deficiencies in the Delaware River Basin,” prepared in May 2002by the Delaware River Basin Commission, with technical guidance from the DRBCFlood Advisory Committee.Increasing awareness. Community leaders, residents and developers need to beinformed about the natural functions of waterway corridors in flood mitigation, therisks that accompany inappropriate development in the floodplain, and the needfor hazard mitigation and stormwater management plans to mitigate hazardousconditions or prevent them from occurring.Flood Warning and ForecastingUpgrade and modernize flood warningand forecasting capabilities_7353001f-4f70-4d1c-8f94-76bd7fed3db42.1.AMILESTONE By 2010: Completion of workplan steps as outlined in report:Recommendations to addressFlood Warning Deficiencies,May 2002DESIRED OUTCOMEOnline availability ofAdvanced HydrologicPrediction Service (AHPS)SUPPORTS GOAL 2.1Flood Damage RisksCharacterize flood damage risks;prioritize and implement actions toreduce risk and losses, and addresshuman induced ecological impacts ofhydromodification_239d7106-c939-43b2-9843-bcc5c16567372.1.BMILESTONE 2005 - 2010: Completionof state and county floodmitigation plans.By 2010: Integrate floodmitigation and stormwatermanagement in watershedcommunities.DESIRED OUTCOMECompliance with DisasterMitigation Act of 2000.Removal of streams fromimpaired list (303(d))for reasons of hydromodification.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.1, 3.4Water-Based RecreationEnhance water-based recreation in the river and its tributaries._b73f09e9-f938-472d-a9e9-c750255a772f2.2TheBasin’s National Wildand Scenic Rivers, theAppalachian Trail, andnumerous game lands,parks and forests canbe linked to optimizerecreational experiences.Creating a Delaware Basinrecreational use and accessplan. The need existsfor regional recreationaluse and access planningthat provides for overallintegrated managementof recreation and tourism,protects water resourcesfrom recreational impacts,provides enjoyment andconvenient access, and protects the health and safety of recreational users. A Basin-wide recreation andtourism plan should include strategies to:• Promote the Basin as a tourist destination• Provide additional public access to waterways• Create a linked water trail system• Increase the scope and frequency of stream and river trash collection• Maintain or improve recreational water quality• Avoid impacts from recreational use• Improve the connections of communities to their waterwaysThe streams and rivers of the Basin are attractive natural transportation routes.However, they are often isolated from one another, located on or very near privateproperty, or lack access sites or safety features. Hazards abound near urban areas,in the vicinity of dams, and where high-speed roads and railroads share space withrecreational users. Generally, few amenities are available to travelers along watercorridors.Inconsiderate recreational use can degrade environmental quality, especiallythrough physical impacts to sensitive riparian ecologies. Challenges lie inunderstanding thresholds and, where necessary, setting limits to human use.Coordinated efforts are needed to expand access and enhance the recreationexperience of the river-using public. Numerous entities in the Basin are involvedin providing recreation and tourism services, yet regional connections are lackingbetween towns along waterways; between user and provider communities; andbetween states. Implementation of recreation and tourism objectives requires aserious coordination effort by public and private entities.Promoting visual and physical access to waterways in community development plans. Thisrequires concerted efforts to educate developers, officials, and the public about theopportunities waterway corridors can offer for recreation, and the need to promoteaccess through local planning. Legal barriers to increasing public access need to beinvestigated.Developing operating plans for reservoirs. Public and private reservoirs serve a varietyof important purposes, including public water supply, power generation, flowaugmentation and flood control. They also provide recreational opportunities (bothat the facilities and downstream). Facility functions can be prescribed by statuteand/or subject to regulatory approvals of the Delaware River Basin Commission, theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission or other agencies, and their operating plansmust reflect their prescribed functions.Recreational and Public Access PlanDevelop a recreational water use andpublic access plan for the Basin thatprovides for: 1) Increased public access2) Improved recreational experiencesfor all users through signage, guides,provision of destination points, linkageto other recreational opportunities, etc.3) Increased availability of pump-outfacilities, etc_cbc95ced-3268-46cd-b15c-55287e942c9c2.2.AMILESTONE 2006: Partnerships formed andfunding sources identifiedDESIRED OUTCOMEBasin-wide Recreation Plandeveloped, with regionalsegments, 2006 - 2030SUPPORTS GOAL 2.2Basin-Wide Recreation PlanDevelop identified recreationalfacilities and amenities per Basin-wideRecreation Plan_8ed9d2c0-f1ac-4a94-8e3f-096db631b5bb2.2.BMILESTONE By 2010: 25% of identifiedfacilities and amenitiescompletedDESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased recreational use ofwaterway corridor amenitiesSUPPORTS GOAL 2.2Water TrailsCreate a continuous network of watertrails for the river, tributaries and lakes_2263eb71-ddb5-4080-a764-b951ba39ffc62.2.CMILESTONE By 2010: 25% of trail networkcompleted.By 2020: Trail networkcompleted.DESIRED OUTCOMEContinuous network ofwater trails along tributaries,connected to main stemSUPPORTS GOAL 2.2Debris and TrashReduce or prevent generation ofdebris and trash and expand clean upprograms in river and tributaries_db9d2fd5-8449-4193-a521-4bc1a704eaeb2.2.DMILESTONE Establish Baseline: 10% annualincrease in debris collected anda decrease in reported debrisaccumulation.No unsafe conditions onriver and tributaries • Noflood damages due to debris.DESIRED OUTCOMENo unsafe conditions onriver and tributaries • Noflood damages due to debris.Ongoing programsadequately staffed andfunded.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.2, 5.2, 5.4Interstate Recreational Tourism CampaignDevelop an inter-state campaign topromote the Basin as a recreation andtourist destination_cedbe62f-960c-4238-a086-d618b1093b992.2.EMILESTONEBy 2007: Strategy developedto promote assets defined inBasin-wide Recreation PlanDESIRED OUTCOMEIncrease in Basin recreationaladvertisementsSUPPORTS GOAL 2.2Ecological IntegrityEnsure that recreational uses do notimpair the ecological integrity ofaquatic and riparian ecosystems_d14f7cfe-ec78-4ae9-adb5-3b3e4434c0492.2.FMILESTONEBy 2006 Baseline: Recreationalimpacts identified.By 2010: Development ofrecreational BMP manual. DESIRED OUTCOMEReduction in pollutioninputs from recreationaluses.Recreation impacts reduced.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3, 1.2Water-Based Recreational AssetsSupport and encourage watershedcommunities to incorporate waterbasedrecreational assets in planningand management, includingrequirements in subdivision ordinances_30d28cd0-31d4-4b4a-b83c-e5918e7edaeb2.2.GMILESTONE By 2006: Workshops providedfor public officials and buildingindustry.By 2010: Requirements such aspublic access included in localordinances.DESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased recreationalaccess and support for localwaterway corridor use andprotectionSUPPORTS GOAL 2.2, 3.5Riparian and Aquatic EcosystemsProtect, conserve and restore healthy and biologically diverse riparian and aquatic ecosystems._93691f4d-39ac-488b-9670-aef007cd6d082.3The health of plant and animal communities requires that flows in riversand streams exhibit the natural range of variation in the flow regime, especiallyseasonally. Other physical and chemical parameters are also critical to the healthof ecosystems. Understanding the range of needs for the diverse native aquatic andriparian populations within the Basin is a major challenge.Defining flow regime and water quality criteria to support healthy aquatic and ripariancommunities. Ecosystem needs for flow and water quality vary seasonally with the life cycles of aquatic and riparian species. Criteria are dependent on topography,elevation, and geology, and are specific to the assemblages of populations in aregion, a watershed, or a stream’s reach.Additional investigation of the fresh water inflow requirements for estuarineecosystems is needed. In the tidal portion of the Basin, present policy consists ofmeeting a flow target for the Delaware River at Trenton, New Jersey. The target isdesigned to maintain the 30 day average chloride concentration at or below 180ppm at river mile 98 during repetition of drought-of-record conditions to protectindustrial and potable supply needs. Currently a model is used to forecast salinitychanges based on projected changes to the flow regime. The freshwater inflow needsof estuarine systems should be established and incorporated into flow scenarioevaluations, and up-to-date information on climate change and sea level rise shouldbe used when evaluating projected estuary conditions.Incorporating ecosystem requirements in water quality criteria and flow targets. TheBasin states are using biological and physical criteria in addition to traditionalchemical criteria for assessment and protection of aquatic life. There has beenincreased monitoring of biological assemblages, habitat conditions, streammorphology, and riparian conditions to determine overall ecological integrityof the Basin’s waters. Coordination and cooperation among agencies and nongovernmentalorganizations is necessary to effectively assess and manage theDelaware River and its tributary watersheds. This includes establishing minimumwater quality and flow criteria to support consistent designated uses throughoutthe Basin. These criteria will not just be the minimum acceptable for the survival ofadults, but adequate to support and protect all life stages and the reproduction ofaquatic and riparian communities.Establishing a regional approach to sediment management. Sediment transport occurswhen soils are eroded by moving water. Results of sediment transport can bebeneficial or problematic. Floodwater deposition of rich alluvial soils can be a boonto agriculture, while sediment deposits in navigable waterways can block channelsand create dangerous conditions for river traffic. Erosion of upland soils can resultin the loss of tons of fertile topsoil into bays and oceans, increasing turbidity andsmothering benthic habitat.Managing sediment requires paying attention to the “source” of erodedsoils as well as the “sink” or place of deposition. Management of soil sourcesincludes a variety of practices to keep soils from eroding (see discussionson stormwater management in “Key Result Area 3: Linking Land and WaterResource Management”). Management of soil “sinks” includes dredging unwantedsediment from ports and navigable channels, removing contaminated sedimentsfrom ecological systems and removing sediments to restore habitats. Managingsediments in a systems context has not been widely practiced, but regional sedimentmanagement is being increasingly recognized as a strategy for effective ecologicaland economic control of sediment as a valuable resource.A regional approach to sediment management uses sediment budgets, whichinclude sediment sources and sinks and the identification of ongoing sedimentmanagement activities performed throughout the watershed. Sediment availabilityis linked with sediment needs within the system based on suitable quantity, quality, and timing. Through planning and coordination, such varied activities as navigablechannel maintenance, habitat restoration, abandoned mine rehabilitation and beachnourishment projects can all be made more efficient and economical.Employing restoration techniques to improve impaired waters. Restoring hydrologicaland ecological function requires investments in research and agency support, butthey can be successfully accomplished with major benefits to water resources andhabitat. Environmental restoration is a relatively new field, and information neededto determine objectives and predict ecological response to restoration measuresis sparse. Restoration of landscapes and waterways is presently as much an art asa science. Sharing information helps advance our understanding of restorationtechniques.Protecting riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Commercially significant species thriveon a food base of non-game mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels,and invertebrates supported by the Delaware River and Bay. It is important toidentify and protect the habitat and life stage requirements of key commercial,recreational, game, non-game, threatened, and endangered species so they surviveand successfully reproduce throughout their natural ranges. Water flows and quality,the absence of non-native predators or competitors for habitat and food, and theabundance of food supply are all integral to the success of our native aquatic andriparian plants and animals. Limits on harvesting may be necessary to ensure asufficient number of reproducing adults and the abundance of commercial speciesfor future generations.Invasive species management. Identifying invaders, their means of distribution,and methods of controlling them offers a tremendous ecological and economicchallenge. It also challenges the ability of our institutions to work cooperatively,since it requires supportive efforts among agencies, organizations and individualsin the fields of science and research, environmental protection, commerce, andtransportation.• Competition from invasive species is second only to habitat loss in its impact onecosystem integrity.This Key Result Area covers the importance of waterway corridors, both as theinterface between the land and surface waters of the Basin, and for the numerousfunctions they provide to humans and aquatic communities. The quality andquantity of our water resources are affected by conditions and activities that mayoccur far from the actual water bodies. “Key Result Area 3: Linking Land andWater Resource Management,” looks at how the entire watershed, including itsvaried landscapes and land use activities, functions as a critical component of thehydrologic system, and how our management and decision-making structure canimprove results for better water resource management.Conservation PlansImplement conservation plansfor populations, assemblages andcommunities of indigenous aquatic andterrestrial plants and animals (Considerhabitat needs for water quality andavailability, reproduction, food supplyand refuge from predation)_529e7ca1-83eb-4d31-acc8-d15b1c33a1f72.3.AMILESTONE By 2008: Define critical habitatand food sources.By 2010: Set criteria forprotection and restoration.By 2015: Plans developed forkey species or communities.DESIRED OUTCOMELocally optimal measures ofdiversity, richness, balance,abundance, integrity andresilience.Locally optimal measures ofhabitat.Refer to DELEP indicators.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3Fisheries ManagementImplement fisheries managementplans to sustain commercially andrecreationally important species of theBasin_bad3c4b3-699e-46e3-82ed-591f67edeee52.3.BMILESTONE Dates per management plans:Targets met for key species:shad, oysters, horseshoe crabs,etc.DESIRED OUTCOMEAn indicator per relevantmanagement plans in placeSUPPORTS GOAL 2.3WetlandsIncrease the quality, diversity andfunction of wetlands throughout theBasin._a813e4c7-8cbb-4478-ba99-d68263851a522.3.CMILESTONE By 2005: Set assessment criteria.2007 - 2015: Watershed-basedassessments of wetlandfunction, protection andrestoration opportunities.DESIRED OUTCOME20% increase in functioningwetland acres, 2007baseline, by 2030SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3, 3.3Riparian and Aquatic Habitat ProtectionImplement strategies to protect criticalriparian and aquatic habitat_484c7923-6e5a-4995-9f96-a09b9e16f40a2.3.DMILESTONE By 2006: Critical habitatsidentified, mapped andprioritized.By 2008: Protection andrestoration strategiesdeveloped and adopted.DESIRED OUTCOME20% increase in criticalhabitat protection andrestoration by 2030SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3Invasive SpeciesImplement invasive speciesmanagement throughout the Basin_9da305d5-6f20-4198-913e-7e9175e8a5d12.3.EMILESTONE By 2008: Management plansdevelopedDESIRED OUTCOMEPlans implemented SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3Sediment ManagementEmploy regional approaches tosediment management to improve thebeneficial use of dredged materials inhabitat restoration_527e2b94-d03f-4ef9-a64b-5c4bc08ecb1e2.3.FMILESTONEBy 2008: Plans developedDESIRED OUTCOME Plans implemented SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3Fish PassagePrioritize and remove impediments tofish passage_d6ca6550-f28c-4d28-8c5b-2f039ebc5ca02.3.GMILESTONEBy 2008: 5% increase in miles/acres of streams opened tomigratory species, such as riverherringDESIRED OUTCOMEMaximum stream mileswithout impedimentsSUPPORTS GOAL 2.3 Stream Channel StabilizationStabilize stream channels based onsystemic analysis of causes of instability_18631d1e-f349-45e7-8998-58f882a995d52.3.HMILESTONEBy 2006: Identify areas ofinstability and causes.By 2008: Prioritize restorationopportunities in a watershedframework.DESIRED OUTCOMEMiles of steams with naturalstability.20% increase over 2006baseline by 2030.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.3, 2.1, 3.3Hydrologic CyclesPreserve and restore natural hydrologic cycles in the Basin’s watersheds._2f114814-7d4b-4553-bfca-9fc2b3a028463.1Fromabsorption into the atmosphere as a gas, to the eventual recharging of lakes, streams,rivers, estuaries and aquifer systems, the natural hydrologic cycle is a continuousand dynamic process in equilibrium. Human disruption alters the cycle in manyways. Mitigating these disruptions requires us to address land development practicesand regulation, as well as impacts from existing development. Approximating natural seasonal flow regimes. In addition to gauging water budgets ona reasonable watershed scale (see the sidebar on page 20 “Defining the AppropriateScale for Assessing Watersheds”) hydrographs should be established that reflect anatural range of flow variability. The goal is to develop and manage land in a mannerthat will approximate natural seasonal flow patterns.Preserving soil health. Healthy soil infiltrates rainfall and enables recharge to supportstream base flows and ground water supply. Disturbance or removal of soil inhibitsinfiltration and, if the remaining soils are compacted, may even prevent rechargefrom reaching water supply aquifers. Maximizing infiltration reduces runoff andthus minimizes flooding.Maximizing natural vegetation. Vegetation helps to maintain soil stability, soilstructure, and local temperature regimes (microclimates). When vegetation isremoved, soil erosion and sedimentation in waterways increases. The removal ofroot systems can exacerbate soil compaction, affecting infiltration and recharge.A loss of vegetation also alters the amount of evaporated and transpired water tothe atmosphere that normally occurs during photosynthesis, resulting in increasedlocalized temperatures. This “heat island” effect is further intensified by large amounts of pavedsurfaces. Not only isthe protective shade ofstreamside vegetation lost,but the stormwater runofffrom paved, un-shadedsurfaces has a highertemperature to whichnative stream species maynot be tolerant.Replicating the naturaltiming and volume ofstormwater. Routingrunoff from paved areasdirectly into waterwaysinterrupts infiltration.This can result inflooding, severe erosion,temperature and qualitychanges, and diminutionof water availability.Impervious coverand some stormwatercollection practicesincrease the volume and rate of runoff from storm events and may cause localizedchanges to ground water. Stormwater management must counter the flow andrecharge alterations caused by development and ensure the recharge volumes equalthose of natural conditions.• Wetlands play an important role in the water cycle and in habitat provision. Landscapepreservation and stormwater management programs need to consider the waterrequirements to maintain wetland survival.Pre-Development Response to StormsEncourage and support land usedesigns that maintain pre-developmentresponse to storm events with respectto infiltration and runoff volume,velocity, and quality_ccbc0499-0616-4759-8775-3f7ed92a68433.1.AMILESTONE By 2007: Watershed-basedstormwater managementplans developed and adoptedthat maximize infiltration,while avoiding ground watermounding, and minimize sitedisturbanceDESIRED OUTCOMESurface waters are lessimpacted from stormevents • Floods, erosionand sedimentation areminimized • Stream baseflows are maintained orrestored with water qualityimprovementsSUPPORTS GOAL 3.4, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3Land Use PracticesAddress adverse effects from existingland use practices_b8bd6742-88b7-4a98-a91e-10fea0ca569d3.1.BMILESTONE By 2006: Criteria developed forland management practices2008 - 2015: Watershedsevaluated and prioritized forremediation effortsDESIRED OUTCOMETargeted watershedsreceive priority • Waterquality improvements inwatershedsSUPPORTS GOAL 3.4Hazardous ConditionsDiscourage land use and stormwatermanagement practices that exacerbatehazardous conditions, e.g. sinkholes,flooding, etc_1cc0e424-b8ef-44e9-ace6-a98023a500373.1.CMILESTONEBy 2006: Areas especiallyvulnerable to impacts fromdevelopment (e.g., karstgeology) identified. By 2007: Standards establishedto protect areas and preventhazardous conditions.DESIRED OUTCOMEWatershed communitiesadopt protection standardsSUPPORTS GOAL 3.4, 2.1High-Value Water Resource LandscapesMaintain and restore the integrity and function of high value water resource landscapes._58e53ee1-3029-4819-83f6-de19494117c73.2Certain elements of the landscape are integral to the maintenance of thequality and availability of water resources. These landscape elements play specializedroles in water cycling and renewal.Taking inventory of landscape elements within each watershed. Landscape elementsthat play a critical role in water cycling and renewal; high value water resourcelandscapes; should be identified at the watershed level. Steps to retain theirhydrological function must be taken when land use, development, and preservationdecisions are made.Incorporating the location and functional importance of high value water resource areasor landscapes into natural resource inventory elements of local and county plans. Theseelements are important in the local establishment of optimal land use and density,for local and regional landscape protection efforts — such as open space planning — and for setting performance standards and management practices required fordevelopment. Community Master Plans should be revised to include current naturalresource inventories inclusive of water resource landscapes, and to reflect zoningthat protects high value water resource landscapes.Including performance standards in local zoning and development ordinances. Localordinances should incorporate plans and standards to conserve the water resourcefunction of key landscape elements. Performance standards may differ from state tostate and among regions of the Basin.Water Resource Landscape MappingMap high value water resourcelandscapes and assist watershedcommunities in prioritizing theseresources for protection_510a987c-acff-486e-8dc7-c54820cced4e3.2.AMILESTONE By 2008: Priority areasprotected or managed in plansand ordinancesDESIRED OUTCOMEFunctions of high valuewater resource landscapesare maintainedSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 2.1, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2Performance StandardsDevelop guidance for performancestandards that protect the function ofhigh value water resource landscapes_392af8e2-fdc9-4344-add4-0895129cea613.2.BMILESTONE By 2010: Performance standardsestablished for high value waterresource landscapesDESIRED OUTCOMEDevelopment of appropriateperformance standards forlocal conditions • Ordinancesand regulations includeappropriate performancestandards for high valuewater resource landscapesSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.2, 2.1, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4Water Resource Land PreservationEncourage and assist watershedcommunities to prioritize high valuewater resource landscaping for landpreservation programs_e4d9fa1d-ccab-4e42-b204-464fea39a5ea3.2.CMILESTONEBy 2006: Landscapes of waterresource value identified andprioritized for preservationBy 2010: High value areasincluded in land preservationprograms. DESIRED OUTCOMEWatershed communitiespreserve acres of valuablewater resource landscapesSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4Drinking Water ContaminationMinimize contamination threats todrinking water supplies utilizinginformation from source waterassessment programs_f871778a-f516-4999-8abb-fdf7c9e39ac53.2.DMILESTONE By 2008: Protection effortsprioritized and fundedDESIRED OUTCOMESource water protectionplans implementedSUPPORTS GOAL 1.3, 3.1, 3.3Land Use Planning and Growth ManagementFully integrate water resource considerations into land use planning and growth management._0ed30776-6447-4921-8fa1-32e92e95c2be3.3Water resource considerations are the aspects of water resource useand protection that are related to land use and management. They include:• Population and economic trends affecting water use• Water availability and capacity of water supply systems, factoring in theneed to include the protection of stressed and threatened source waters• Availability and capacity of wastewater treatment• Stormwater management measures needed to preserve and restore naturalhydrological function within each watershed• Protection or enhancement of the capacity of hydrological systems toassimilate point and nonpoint sources of pollution• Direct and indirect impacts to natural systems• Maintenance of the function of high value water resource landscapes• The recreation potential of waterway corridorsWater resource, population and economic information should be assembled andanalyzed on a watershed basis to aid discussions and decision-making for planningand permitting purposes. Water resource considerations should be integrated intothe planning and growth management processes for communities and regions.Considering water supply. Master plans, zoning and development ordinances shouldbe consistent with the availability and capacity of local water resources. Somequestions for communities to consider are:• Are watershed communities dependent on surface or ground water supply?• To what extent is conjunctive use of ground and surface water possible?• Are current growth management plans and zoning realistic, given watersupply availability?• Is there a current or projected water supply deficit?• What options exist for enhancing water supply to support expected ordesired growth and what potential impacts accompany them?• It is also important to consider the potential threats to source water supplies when reevaluatingzoning and growth management plans.Considering wastewater treatment. Plans for wastewater service provision shouldbe consistent with the growth management plans of the watershed communitiesand sensitive to the condition and capacity of water resources of the watershed.Decisions relating to on-site septic versus regional collection and treatment needto consider the capacity of the receiving water body to accept waste discharge, non-discharge alternatives, plans for growth into the future, and the long-term capacityof water supply sources.Typically, water supply planning and decisions about wastewater managementare undertaken separately, often because the entities supplying the service operateindependently of one another, and even independently of community plans.Many utility decisions for water and wastewater supply are made through utilitycommissions or boards that are not connected to community planning or to otheragencies with interests in the provision of water services.Failure to appropriately coordinate water provision and wastewater planning canlead to serious water resource issues. For example, in order to address the pollutionof coastal waters large regional plants were constructed to treat and dischargeeffluent beyond the shallow bays and into the ocean. Coastal areas frequently relyon ground water for potable supply, often from confined aquifers with limited ratesof recharge. Where permitted development depends on the capacity of the regionalwastewater treatment facilities and does not consider the sustainability of watersupply, communities may experience water supply issues, including shortages andsaltwater intrusion into freshwater supply sources.Respecting the assimilative capacity of hydrologic systems. Water bodies become therecipients of wastewater discharges and stormwater runoff. Healthy ecosystems tendto be resilient to some stresses, but only within limits. Understanding an ecosystem’snatural limits and linking these limits to water and land management is importantfor planning, and for setting goals for sustainable development. Just as communitiesand regional agencies consider the capacity of water and wastewater treatmentplants and transportation networks, they should consider the assimilative capacitiesof the watershed’s hydrologic system. Alternatives to direct discharge to waterbodies, and the establishment of water quality-based discharge standards are toolsused to protect water resources.Considering the direct and indirect impacts to natural systems. Comprehensive planningefforts examine how water is used and the direct impacts of water withdrawals,wastewater discharges, etc. Indirect impacts include issues such as:• Increases in stormwater volume and changes in quality from expanding theamount of impervious surface• Water quality impacts from maintenance activities, such as the applicationof de-icing agents on roads and parking lots or fertilizer or pesticideapplications for agricultural activities, golf courses, and other recreationalfields• Lowering of ground water tables and impacts to streams and wetlands thatcan accompany increased pumping for irrigation or potable supplyThese issues are all linked directly to land development, although they are notnecessarily integrated into planning and project permitting processes.Know your watershed. Establish what is known about local conditions by compilingan environmental inventory. The ability to accurately quantify local hydrological andecological systems is hindered by limited data, a lack of modeling tools, and by fiscalresources. Often, a complete inventory of local conditions is necessary for improvingplanning and decision-making. However, there are characterization and assessment tools available for planning purposes. Watershed communities can work together,sharing the costs associated with data collection and resource protection, just as theyshare the benefits of a healthy watershed.• There is a need for local planning tools to assess the impacts of alternative developmentscenarios.Watershed AssessmentsDevelop watershed assessmentsto identify priority water resourceissues that should be consideredin community land use plans andordinances_4d5596fb-5b54-42e0-89a3-4fff25099bf23.3.AMILESTONEBy 2008: Watershedassessments are accessible viaweb.By 2010: Issues prioritized byregions and watersheds.DESIRED OUTCOMEWatershed assessmentscompleted and waterresource issues prioritizedSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 3.1, 4.2Regional Planning and Growth ManagementEncourage and support watershedcommunities working togetheron regional planning and growthmanagement_30664bad-d0cc-4343-b60e-b95d12cfd1063.3.BMILESTONEBy 2008: Watershedassessments used for waterresource protection andplanningDESIRED OUTCOMEGrowth managementand land use planningapproached on a watershedbasis • Multi-municipal plansadoptedSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1Data, Tools, and ModelsEnsure availability of land and waterresources data, analytical tools, andmodels to guide local and regional landuse and growth management planningand decision-making_82998a32-2142-42f3-893f-b4e0988dd0d63.3.CMILESTONE By 2008: Data tools andmodels on the internet withinstructional workshops offeredDESIRED OUTCOMEWatershed communitiesuse available data andtools to assess alternativedevelopment scenarios withcommunities incorporatingconservation designordinancesSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1Plans and OrdinancesAdopt and implement plansand ordinances that incorporatescientifically sound and legallyimplementable provisions for theprotection and enhancement ofwater resources (States to supportand encourage; local and countygovernment to implement; private andnon-governmental organizations topartner)_e186c981-ec1f-47c8-abc7-a12db25eda663.3.DMILESTONEBy 2008: Model water resourceelements for ordinancesdevelopedDESIRED OUTCOMEPlans and ordinancesupdated with water resourceelements • Watershedcommunities adoptordinances (e.g. low impactand conservation design)SUPPORTS GOAL 3.1Local, Municipal, Regional, and State PlansIntegrate water resource elements intolocal, multi-municipal, regional, andstate agency and authorities’ plans,regulations, and decision-makingprocesses_7d99b0e7-72d8-4525-96ab-eab5faa7da9a3.3.EMILESTONEBy 2008: Concurrentplanning for water andwastewater infrastructurethrough coordination amongwater resource agencies,environmental programs andcommunity planningDESIRED OUTCOMEWater resource issuesare addressed throughcoordinated planning effortswith all water resourceregulatory entitiesSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1Development and RedevelopmentEncourage development and redevelopment in areas where growth can improve the economic viability of localcommunities while providing for the protection and enhancement of the water resources of the Basin; discourage development and redevelopment where it may impair water resources and their related natural resources._307cf728-7d1f-48f9-9e30-df033851fb963.4Choices about where and how development occurs, and how activities are managedon the landscape, affect the quality and availability of water resources. Prudentchoices for growth and development incorporate water resource protection, anduse fiscal resources efficiently. Governmental agencies, in partnership with privateand non-profit organizations, can develop financial and regulatory incentives toencourage smart choices for growth, development, and redevelopment that do notimpair water resources.The following actions are necessary to accomplish this goal:• Examine impacts and develop plans on a watershed, aquifer or regionalbasis• Identify targeted areas for redevelopment to absorb growth wheresupporting infrastructure already exists or could be improved• Develop criteria and incentives for coordinated review processes tofacilitate development and redevelopment in appropriate areas• Cluster new development to provide a mix of uses and activities,minimizing transportation impacts as well as landscape alteration• Remediate contaminated sites and brownfields and return them toproductive use• Maintain current waterway and port infrastructure• Employ regional approaches to sediment management• Adopt ordinances and regulations designed to protect water and supportnatural resources through performance standards• Incorporate natural features as functional design elements, e.g., linkingconstructed and natural wetland systems for stormwater and wastewatermanagement• Educate policy-makers, decision-makers and developers about waterresources, the benefits they provide, and their community enhancementpotential• Restore the visual and physical connections of people to the waterways atevery opportunityPriority AreasIdentify and prioritize areas thatwould benefit environmentally andeconomically from redevelopment_135e9ae1-dc2b-4685-a852-7ee4c6d6f4ff3.4.AMILESTONEBy 2005 - 2010: Appropriateareas identified and prioritizedfor improvements andredevelopmentDESIRED OUTCOMERedevelopment will belocated in appropriate,targeted areasSUPPORTS GOAL 3.2IncentivesDevelop criteria and incentivesfor coordinated review processesthat facilitate development and redevelopmentconsistent with the goal_14aed7c0-9604-47e1-a59f-dd0f637c31173.4.BMILESTONEBy 2008: Incentives and criteriafor review are established • Acoordinated review process isimplementedDESIRED OUTCOMEEncourage growth in areaswith adequate infrastructureSUPPORTS GOAL 3.2DisincentivesDevelop criteria and disincentivesto be applied during coordinatedreview processes that discouragedevelopment, and redevelopmentinconsistent with the goal_1da05a64-2142-4c40-9bb2-47e3fcddbd373.4.CMILESTONEBy 2008: Disincentivesand criteria for review areestablished • A coordinatedreview process is implementedDESIRED OUTCOMEEncourage growth inareas with adequateinfrastructure • Discouragenew development ininappropriate areasSUPPORTS GOAL 3.2Navigable Waterways and PortsMaintain and make necessary andprudent changes to existing navigablewaterways and ports and use regionalapproaches to manage dredgedmaterials_156f5789-1af5-4072-b507-f8d958d9190b3.4.DMILESTONE Ongoing management ofcurrent waterway and portinfrastructureDESIRED OUTCOMESafe and efficient waterwaysand portsCommunity ConnectionsPhysically and visually emphasize and strengthen the social, historic, cultural, recreational and economic connections ofcommunities to the Basin’s waterways._444ebf73-50e5-4110-bff4-61e9f774370e3.5What’s the connection? Waterway landscapes appeal to all of our senses. Our historyand culture are tied to our waterways. Our progress as a society has depended onwater for transportation, power, commerce, recreation, and for poetic and artisticinspiration.Unfortunately, many people take water for granted, possibly because they aredisconnected from it. Drinking water comes from a pipe or a bottle. Buildings,abandoned industrial sites, or the protective railings of the bridges that traverserivers and streams and the roadways that hug their shores often block views ofwaterways.Experience is education. Education and knowledge are the foundation forstewardship, the concept of responsible care-taking based on the premise that we donot own resources, but are managers and are responsible to future generations fortheir condition. Providing the opportunity for waterway experiences is critical notonly to the stewardship of water resources, but for the maintenance of some of thebest aspects of human culture.• It is important to acknowledge the historic roots of a community as well as its currentand future social and cultural needs.Providing the opportunity to experience our waterways. Re-establish access andvisual connections where suitable, especially in association with redevelopmentopportunities. In urban areas, projects for the redevelopment of abandonedwaterfront areas should require elements designed to restore connections andrelationships to the waterfront. Providing opportunity to experience our waterwaysmay include commuter ferries, river walks and bike trails, boat access points, fishingpiers and interpretive signage. Public lands should incorporate educational elementsto foster stewardship.We need to maintain what we have and to restore what we have lost. Withoutthe opportunity to experience our water resources — especially for sheer enjoymentand wonder — we may remain disadvantaged, missing the inspiration of water.Linking land and water resources management summary. This Key Result Area involvesall aspects of water resource management, landscape management, planning andgrowth management, cooperation and coordination, education, and stewardship.Integrating the management of land and water resources challenges us to:• Understand the physical, chemical and biological processes that define thewater-land connection within a watershed• Recognize the management strategy options necessary to achieve positivewater resource and development outcomes• Improve communication and planning within the watershed community• Improve regional coordination among water resource and land use agencies• Create public, non-profit and private partnerships• Improve our collection, analysis and distribution of water resourceinformation• Develop and use analytical tools for local and regional decision-making• Commit state, regional and local entities to engage in and support growthmanagement and resource protection on a watershed basis• Commit financial resources to support and coordinate local and regionalplanning and water resource protection effortsThe first three Key Result Area sections address the human and ecological uses ofwater, the critical land-water interface of waterway corridors, and the watershedlandscapes and management decisions that can have long-term impacts on waterresources. Clearly, the human component is a critical one. Individuals, businesses,organizations, and society, have the potential to effect important changes to ourwater resources through the land and water management decisions we make everyday. The following section, “Key Result Area 4: Institutional Coordination andCooperation,” focuses on how to manage that human component through ourdecision-making structures, formal and informal partnerships and agreements,sharing of information, ideas and data and, ultimately, by institutionalizing ourrelationships to the water resources of the Basin.Waterside RedevelopmentEncourage waterside re-development,that emphasizes public access as wellas aesthetic, historic, recreational,economic and cultural values_bdc71bff-5de6-469d-9fb3-852797c930ca3.5.AMILESTONEBy 2006: Watersideredevelopment areas prioritized.By 2008: Plan for infrastructureimprovements as necessary.By 2008: Public-privatepartnerships establishedfor urban watersideredevelopment projects.DESIRED OUTCOMEWaterside properties arerevitalized.Public access, cultural,historic, recreational andeducational design elementsare emphasized for thecommunity.SUPPORTS GOAL 2.2, 3.1, 3.5Waterway TransitCreate waterway transit opportunitiesfor residents, commuters and visitors_5435cd33-0a7f-4100-8d5c-de94990d19913.5.BMILESTONEBy 2006: Assessments of transitopportunitiesBy 2008: Public and privateinvestment in waterway transitmodes DESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased use of waterwaytransitSUPPORTS GOAL 3.5Coordination and CooperationImprove coordination and cooperation in the management of water resources in the Basin._2eed90ab-01c5-4667-8c2e-3ce55f3dd9d74.1This Goal cuts across all of the Key Result Areas encompassed in thisPlan. There is not one single “cookie-cutter” approach to improving coordinationand cooperation among the many agencies, businesses, elected officials, nonprofitorganizations and individuals who play a part in managing the Basin’swater resources. For each area of research, planning, policy, management ordecision-making that this Plan addresses, several steps must be taken to improvecoordination and cooperation. The details of how to deal with each of the issuesdescribed below varies with the particulars of each area.Defining the key players whose efforts must be coordinated. The list may includeboth Federal and state agencies, local units of government, business and industry,research institutions, and citizen groups. When identifying key players, it isimportant not to neglect stakeholders whose perspectives may not be reflected by the existing decision-making structure. Coordination must take place both ascollaboration across different areas of interest (horizontally) and as alignment withina single institution or hierarchy of institutions (vertically).Identifying the relevant policies, laws, regulations and planning or permitting processeswhich need to be better aligned, made more consistent, or otherwise coordinated.Conflicts among plans, laws, or regulatory regimes may reflect real differences inobjectives, as well as lack of communication. This Plan and its Guiding Principlesare intended to help overcome these differences.Creating a vehicle for collaboration that can bring the key players together. Dependingupon the players involved and the plans, regulations, or activities to be coordinated,this may take the form of a collaborative planning process with a defined objectiveand deadline e.g., a technical working group that convenes periodically or anadvisory committee that reports to a lead agency. Not all players may be on anequal footing with respect to resources and responsibility. Consequently, whenestablishing partnerships or collaborative efforts, it is important to take into accountthe constraints and costs of individual contribution to ensure effective participationby all parties.Shared Water Quality StandardsAchieve consistency in theimplementation of water qualitystandards that apply to the sharedwaters of the Basin_04c782b0-c28a-444f-adb7-e23abbdab8d84.1.AMILESTONEBaseline 2005, 3 year reviews:Development of a commonset of water quality criteria forshared watersDESIRED OUTCOMEMaintenance of waterquality to meet criteriaSUPPORTS GOAL 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1State Water Quality StandardsEnsure at state boundaries thatdownstream state water qualitystandards are attained_fa4dd364-b86e-414b-979c-8614a092f5304.1.BMILESTONE Baseline 2005, 3 year reviews DESIRED OUTCOMEMaintenance of waterquality to meet criteriaBasin-wide MonitoriingAchieve comparable monitoring,documentation and accurate reportingof data that involve the basin-widewater resources of the Basin_971ef0b7-ec0b-4d22-8da2-c573150715014.1.CMILESTONE By 2006: QA/QC protocolsand reporting methods arecompatible for water resourceassessment purposesSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 4.1Fish, Shellfish and Public HealthAchieve consistency in protection ofpublic health in regard to consumingfish and shellfish, due to chemicalcontamination, in regard to the sharedwaters of the Basin_d7360c77-913c-4d15-a21f-58594760549a4.1.DMILESTONE By 2006: Share data andmonitoring results • Consistentmessage to public for sharedwaters • Public awarenessprogram is implementedSUPPORTS GOAL 4.1RecreationAchieve consistency in content andcommunication of advice for primarycontact recreational use of sharedwaters_4a42ce5b-9b9f-4574-ac15-3ca8bd0e153c4.1.EMILESTONEBy 2006: System created fordeveloping and communicatingconsistent advice regardingprimary and secondary contactin shared waters to protecthuman health and safetyDESIRED OUTCOMEAdvisories issued whennecessary to protect humanhealth (e.g., from bacteria)and safety (e.g., high flowsand debris)SUPPORTS GOAL 1.4, 4.1 DroughtFor future drought conditions, improveexchange of hydrologic information,drought status reports, and droughtrestrictions among DRBC, states, andpublic_aec16bea-9ea1-4bcb-b538-7e6c59b1ccdb4.1.FMILESTONEBy 2005: Continued refinementof drought indicators andreportingDESIRED OUTCOMEUp-to-date web page ondrought conditions andrestrictions.DRBC and states setconsistent droughtdeclaration and water useadvice, states on recordthen will act independentlyas to criteria which triggerdeclarations and willissue their own waterconservation initiatives.SUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 4.1Watershed Programs and ProcessesFoster communication among stateand local watershed programs andprocesses_3e78a689-7702-4544-8b33-a6149da81c494.1.GMILESTONEBy 2008: Uncomplicatedexchange of information anddata among local watershedsand state agenciesDESIRED OUTCOMEWater resources informationis easily accessible andcurrentSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.1Stormwater ManagementImprove coordination of stormwatermanagement programs and practices_df6f01b7-6fd8-42a8-870e-4e640bb88ea14.1.HMILESTONE By 2008Water Resource PlanningEncourage communication forwater resource planning among thewatershed communities and countieswithin a watershed_fe59bf4f-9cc6-4e15-8714-9b4134916a954.1.IMILESTONE By 2010: Integrated waterresource plans are used asplanning toolsSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.1, 5.4Coastal Zone ManagementImprove coordination among StateCoastal Zone Management programs_5b1b57d8-0c8f-46d0-b09b-8b955ecb54644.1.JMILESTONE By 2010: Basin Plan Objectivesand CZM programs coordinatedSUPPORTS GOAL 3.4, 3.5, 4.1Invasive SpeciesImprove coordination for invasivespecies management_b57236d5-c3a2-4f5f-9a3a-cdbab0eeaadf4.1.KMILESTONE2005 - 2010: FEMA, NRCS,Corps coordinate fundingfor compliance with DisasterMitigation Act 2000DESIRED OUTCOMESingle source of informationfor federal flood mitigationfundingSUPPORTS GOAL 1.1, 2.3, 4.1Flood Mitigation FundingEvaluate and coordinate funding forflood mitigation_610b5ea5-48a6-48ee-b85b-66c4d68395814.1.LSUPPORTS GOAL 2.1, 3.1, 4.1Watershed-based TradingSupport and implement watershedbasedtrading, where appropriate,as a tool to complement traditionalapproaches to water qualitymanagement and improvement_fa6f0549-16cc-4d67-aee7-62a915f8c7e74.1.MMILESTONE2005 - 2006: Pilot studydetermining need,opportunities, and potentialconstraints completed2006 - 2007: Pollutant tradingratios, project control measuresand responsibilities suggestedData and Information SharingIncrease sharing of data, information, and ideas among Basin stakeholders and reduce duplication of effort._ee9c8204-7b56-470c-838d-d0d9ebd9777a4.2Making information available in accessible formats. Federal, state and regional agenciesand non-profit environmental organizations collect a broad array of water resourcerelateddata. This information must be available in formats that can be easilyinterpreted in order to implement this Plan. Maps, for example, are easy to read andcan be particularly useful for policy and planning purposes when associated withGIS spatial coverages that allow the overlay of other data.Assessing the usefulness of collected data. While basic information is usuallystraightforward to use, other raw data — such as daily precipitation, stream flow, ormonthly water quality reporting — are not directly usable by policy and decisionmakers. This kind of data needs to be compiled and analyzed prior to use. Inaddition, some data needs to be interpreted to be of significant benefit to users.• The question of watershed scale is critical to our understanding of water resource issuesand to the measures we develop and employ to address them. Specific problems mustbe understood within their local context. A regional or Basin-wide context should alsobe considered when evaluating alternatives.Identifying gaps and overlaps in data collection. Partnerships may be able to help fillgaps in data collection or eliminate duplication where efforts overlap.Providing a forum for discussion and analysis of available information. There is a vastarray of information, data, conjecture and misinformation available from manysources. Making sense of this information requires the opportunity to share,discuss, debate, learn and solve problems. Issue-based forums provide networkingopportunities, forge partnerships, and enhance the stewardship of water resources.Framework Data LayersComplete framework data layers for theentire basin plus several selected GISlayers accessible via the internet_23b93a69-e111-4687-94e7-371a0ff8bc254.2.AMILESTONEBy 2005: Completion of basinwidedatabaseDESIRED OUTCOMENumber of Internet hits anduser surveysSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.2Data Layers and DatabasesMake digital data layers and water relateddatabases available to view anddownload, integrated across politicalboundaries_669e6224-cc42-4054-be71-0f5702958bb74.2.BMILESTONEBy 2006 DESIRED OUTCOMENumber of Internet hits anduser surveysSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.2Management Activities DatabaseDevelop a database of ongoingmanagement activities to fosterpartnerships and reduce duplication ofefforts_b70d7f08-d16c-4613-bed6-d5b2349595394.2.CMILESTONE By 2006: Water resourcesprograms and network /clearing house is operationalDESIRED OUTCOMEBenchmark and pilot effortsare tracked and available forreviewSUPPORTS GOAL 3.3, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4Communication MethodsImprove methods of communicationwith and among local governmentson water resource issues and provideadequate opportunities for discussionof key issues_255548a9-c592-461e-801b-32f191c76fc84.2.DMILESTONE DESIRED OUTCOMESUPPORTS GOALIdeas, Data, Technology, and InformationIncrease opportunities for the sharingof ideas, data, technology andinformation among public and privatesector professionals involved in waterresource issues_691917d5-0b79-47b7-8c39-ffdd2d28ae014.2.ETechnology TransferIncrease opportunities for technologytransfer among water resourceprofessionals_1b1b57dd-4c0f-41ee-bc56-7844f0b78ecf4.2.FMILESTONE By 2006ResourcesSecure adequate resources for programs and projects that encourage cooperative water resources planning andmanagement._f2123af8-6e23-4389-8b04-181d81c36dfd4.3Always a necessity and a challenge,targeted, strategic provision of resources is necessary to address the Goals of theBasin Plan.Identifying existing resources. Many state, regional, and local programs are activelyengaged in promoting, protecting, and enhancing water resources. An initialassessment of current or planned activities and programs can be compared with thePlan Objectives to determine which issues require special attention and cultivationof resources.• Explore additional resource opportunities to support investigation, monitoring,planning, assessment and implementation activities.Identifying and increasing opportunities to leverage federal and state funds for waterresource planning, protection, and restoration. Create opportunities that encouragemulti-jurisdictional approaches for programs and projects that encouragecooperative water resources planning and management.Existing ResourcesInventory existing resources and identifygaps to implement Basin Plan Objectives_b88723c2-3daf-42f5-92a8-60b4ede676fd4.3.AMILESTONE By 2005 (1 year post-adoption):Inventory completed.3 year reviews, includingresource availability: Allbaseline tasks completed withintimeframes.DESIRED OUTCOMEEffective and efficient rangeof funding sources thatsupport water resource plansthroughout the BasinSUPPORTS GOAL 4.3Additional ResourcesExplore additional resourceopportunities_622eb2b3-2268-4905-9a71-15ffb328ed7c4.3.BMILESTONE 2005 baseline; 3 year reviews DESIRED OUTCOMEEffective and efficient rangeof funding sources thatsupport water resourceplans throughout the Basin3 year assessments ofimplementation, includeresource availabilitySUPPORTS GOAL 4.3Federal, State and Other FundsIncrease opportunities to leveragefederal, state and other funds for waterresource planning, protection andrestoration_c9897840-d1e3-4322-9845-f96d8432d5594.3.CDESIRED OUTCOMEIntegration of Basin Planactivities with federal andstate program funding.SUPPORTS GOAL 4.1Water Resource PartnersEnsure that water resource partners support and execute water resources management in accordance with the GuidingPrinciples, Goals and Objectives of the Basin Plan._c28ec203-6470-4c30-a3e7-39b22ebbc5304.4This Plan was developed with input from individuals representing federal,state, and local government agencies, businesses and non-governmental, non-profitorganizations. Implementation of this Plan will require the continued efforts of thesepartners and others.Engaging a cross-section of Basin stakeholders to implement the Basin Plan. While theDRBC will have primary responsibility for compiling data relevant to measuringmilestones and indicators, Basin partners need to continue to provide input andoversight.The 13,539 square miles of Basin territory is too large and its conditions toovaried to engage local participants effectively on a Basin-wide scale. However,effective engagement of local contributors from the 838 municipalities, 42 counties,and myriad watershed associations is essential. Watershed regions, defined bygrouping adjacent watersheds, perhaps those of the HUC 11 scale (see “Key ResultArea 1: Sustainable Use and Supply,” and the “Water Regions of the Delaware RiverBasin” map) offer a means of addressing local and regional issues and effectivelyengaging participation. Several regions have already successfully organized such asthe collaborative efforts established for the Lehigh and the Schuylkill Rivers.Formal PartnershipsCreate or enhance formal partnershipsfor the purpose of implementing theBasin Plan Objectives_88e7cf70-2f0e-488f-b075-ce1557d459134.4.AMILESTONE 2005 baseline, 3 year reviews:MOUs, joint work plans,Commission resolutionsDESIRED OUTCOME# MOUs, joint work plans,and resolutions developedto implement Basin PlanObjectives • # Federal, stateand local projects consistentwith Basin PlanRegional Planning and RegulationUtilize the planning and regulatory powers of a regional governmental authority, the Delaware River Basin Commission,to facilitate coordination and cooperation._6f16c291-c238-41cb-9df8-38cb7e61216a4.5Coordinating federal and state agencies within the Basin. The Delaware River BasinCommission is a federal-interstate agency, established by compact to managewater resources within the Basin. One purpose of the Commission is to coordinatethe management of a common regional resource that was previously subject toadministration by 43 state agencies, 14 interstate agencies and 19 federal agencies.Managing water resources pursuant to a comprehensive plan. The compact authorizesthe Commission to develop and adopt, after public hearing and with input fromthe states and their political subdivisions, a comprehensive plan for the immediateand long-range development and use of the water resources of the Basin. TheCommission should use its Comprehensive Plan to coordinate the goals andactivities of government agencies, and to guide and where appropriate, regulateprivate activities.Using the Commission’s multi-faceted authority to assist and administer water resourcesin an integrated manner. The Commission is uniquely placed to integrate andprovide consistency among federal, state and regional water resource programs.The Commission’s Compact grants broad powers in areas of water supply, pollutioncontrol, flood protection, watershed management (including soil conservation andfish and wildlife habitats), recreation, hydroelectric power and surface and groundwater withdrawals and diversions.Leading by example and guidance as well as through regulation. The Commission shoulduse its planning authority and leadership to educate, partner with other publicand private entities, and demonstrate how water resources can be wisely managed.Where coordinated efforts are important, the Commission should explore utilizingregulatory mechanisms such as setting performance standards that allow states,political subdivisions and private parties maximum flexibility to select the methodsto meet the standards.Comprehensive PlanEnhance DRBC ComprehensivePlan to promote coordination andachievement of the Basin Plan_9c61f8b5-09fd-4aeb-9776-1b1cdb5d4bc64.5.AMILESTONE By 2005: Basin Plan adopted State of Basin Report 2005. 2005 - 2006: ComprehensiveDESIRED OUTCOMEPlan updated.Tri-annual reporting onimplementation progress.SUPPORTS GOAL 4.5Sense of PlaceEstablish a Basin-wide sense of place._792a4323-a61d-4da1-ad57-aa5a8e611ef95.1Creating awareness and understanding ofthe river and its watershed resources to encourage stewardship.• Motivate Basin residents, businesses and officials to identify with their watershedaddress and to take responsibility for their behavior with respect to watershedresources.Water resource management requires an active and informed citizencommitment — to participate in local watershed activities and to make “watersmart” lifestyle choices.Expanding the use of web-based and mass media resources. In conjunction with otheragencies and organizations in the Basin, the DRBC already links many existing sitesfrom a central home page. Enhancing these capabilities and expanding informationcoverage will facilitate the acceptance and implementation of the Basin Plan. (Seealso “Key Result Area 4: Institutional Coordination and Cooperation,” Goal 4.2.) Themass media can play an important role in educating the public about water resourceissues and the importance of conservation and other good practices. Workshopsfor reporters, editors and other media professionals can play an important role inensuring the dissemination and consistency of critical messages. Projects that relyon volunteers, such as streamside restoration and planting, need to be advertisedwell in advance; print and radio media are critical elements.• Establish a Basin-wide clearinghouse and inventory of watershed projects, programsand contacts to create a more formal link among non-governmental groups involved inwater resource issues.• Employ mass media coverage of water resource issues to expand outreach.Increasing opportunities for participation. Expanding the number of projects,activities, and programs for citizens to participate in increases their exposure towater resource issues and to stewardship opportunities. Successful expansion ofparticipation opportunities must include an appreciation for the increasing ethnicdiversity of the Basin. Outreach efforts should include minority populationsand their interests and concerns about water resources. Messages about lifestylemanagement must reflect sensitivity toward cultural and religious practices.Implementing signage programs. “It’s your/my/our watershed!” Providing geographicreference to streams and their drainage systems for the Delaware River Main Stemand all major tributaries that cross interstate and state highways can help conveythis message. Signs telling motorists they are entering a particular watershed orcrossing a stream are already beginning to appear along roadways. This “watershedaddressing” technique educates visitors as well as increasing residents’ awarenessof where they live and travel in relationship to their home watershed and to otherwatersheds in the Basin.Identification with WatershedCreate awareness and understandingof the river and associated resources sothat citizens, businesses and officialsare motivated to describe their homeor place of business in terms of theirwatershed_37d0ee0d-78c8-46c3-98c2-8c09fa1397065.1.AMILESTONE By 2006: Establish mechanismson education and involvementto instill awareness of and pridein the BasinProtection and RestorationCreate awareness and understandingof the river and associated resources sothat citizens, businesses and officialsare motivated to act in ways that helpprotect and restore the watershed_2dd88056-3165-4295-b5b2-87837d8ff7405.1.BMILESTONE On-goingInternet and Mass MediaContinue and expand the use ofInternet and mass media resourcesto educate the public about waterresources use, waterway corridormanagement, land management forwater resources protection, institutionalcooperation and coordination for waterresource management, and educationfor water resource management andstewardship_1b340760-cf4a-4247-8a47-18cdba05d1cb5.1.CMILESTONE On-going: More exposure ofwater resource topics andevents in media • Providefocused workshops forwatersheds, state officials’conservation groups, etc.DESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased participation inwater resource programsand activities and increasedcoverage of water resourceissues in the mediaSUPPORTS GOAL 4.1, 4.4, 5.2Information ClearinghouseMaintain a clearinghouse for informationon local watershed efforts, such as riverconservation plans, restoration andpreservation efforts – and opportunitiesfor financial and technical assistance_5d321320-e060-4203-a7eb-ededd408309d5.1.DMILESTONE By 2005: Web-based data basefor watershed activity in the DRBDESIRED OUTCOME More effective and efficientwatershed planning effortsSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2Education and OutreachMake education and outreach a priorityto achieve public awareness andpersonal involvement on behalf of theBasin and local watersheds_ba2a2673-4230-4dbc-9666-f961f47a31205.1.EMILESTONE By 2006: Regular educationaland outreach releases to themediaDESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased requests frompublic about water resourcesand improved waterqualitySUPPORTS GOAL 4.2, 5.2Volunteer Projects and ProgramsIncrease participation in volunteerwater resource projects and programsin the Basin_d3e5834e-b425-4f3e-be4c-28682cfd96575.1.FMILESTONE By 2010: 25% increase ofvolunteers for Basin waterresource projectsDESIRED OUTCOMETracking system for Basinvolunteers and projectsSUPPORTS GOAL 5.2Citizen ParticipationIncrease the number of projects,programs and opportunities forcitizen participation in water resourcesmanagement protection andenhancement by 25%_5ba6be2c-707e-4412-bbcf-44184b5e6e525.1.GMILESTONE By 2010: Tracking system forvolunteers and projects inplace with a 25% increase inopportunities for participationand in Basin volunteerismDESIRED OUTCOMENumber of projects andnumber of volunteersSUPPORTS GOAL 4.4, 5.2Under-Represented PopulationsEngage under-represented populationsin water resource issues andstewardship_97cf03ae-e366-4bf4-9ea7-131d3f20c0a05.1.HMILESTONE By 2005: Under-representedgroups included in planning,events, and promotionsDESIRED OUTCOMEDiverse population participatingat events, programsand in decision-makingSUPPORTS GOAL 5.2SignageImplement a watershed signageprogram for the main stem DelawareRiver and all of its major tributaries andon state and interstate highways in theBasin_cc9f1149-04b8-4d19-a551-bc43e75383915.1.IMILESTONE 2005 - 2010: Signs for subbasinsand major tributaries atappropriate road crossings andboundariesDESIRED OUTCOMEIncreased awareness ofwatershed boundariesSUPPORTS GOAL 5.2Restoration InformationProvide information to enhance theability of citizen and community groupsto participate in restoration activitieson their property and in their localwatersheds_615635cf-c9d4-45d7-9aa8-d212bb06857a5.1.JMILESTONE By 2007: Distribution networksrefined and operatingDESIRED OUTCOME Improved water qualityfrom nonpoint sources andan increase in watershedactivitiesSUPPORTS GOAL 5.2Students and YouthIncrease student and youth awareness, understanding, and active participation in water resources issues._fcfbf8a1-c99b-4613-97a9-c7946d40750c5.2We must take several steps to offer age-appropriate activitiesand curricula about water resources and the Delaware River Basin to the nextgeneration of decision-makers. An integrated, sequential, K-12 science curriculumfocused on the Delaware River Basin and emphasizing service in partnership withthe community can provide districts and educators with some of the tools needed toexpand water resource education in our schools.Providing outdoor experiences to engage students in learning about their watershed.Nothing makes a watershed lesson more fun and interesting than actualparticipation in an outdoor experience. This is when theory becomes alive andengaging. Students can learn about important water resource educational elementsby applying science concepts directly to a local watershed, monitoring their localwatersheds through field studies, learning about the impacts of water resourcesin their communities, and restoring watersheds through community needs-basedprojects.Supporting educators by providing information. A web-based clearinghouse canprovide timely, local aspects on water resource issues useful for curricula andactivity development.Watershed CurriculaDevelop and initiate a strategy toincorporate watershed curricula in theeducation standards of the four Basinstates_0636a317-aa22-4673-a9bc-bc5cfab1cddf5.2.AMILESTONE By 2008: All school districtsand private schools integratewatershed material in curriculawith materials available forhome schoolingDESIRED OUTCOMEAll students in Basin knowtheir watershed addressSUPPORTS GOAL 5.1Outdoor ExperienceProvide a water resources relatedoutdoor experience for every studentin the watershed before high schoolgraduation_ca2a1ddf-1624-4e94-b4e9-036764339ef85.2.BMILESTONE By 2010: Every student will havea hands-on outdoor experienceby high school graduationDESIRED OUTCOMEStudents will know aboutwater resources and landuseSUPPORTS GOAL 5.1School ProgramsContinue to promote and expandschool programs that provide activeparticipation in watershed protection,restoration, monitoring and awarenessbuilding_13c49806-4e99-481f-b9cb-5ac99c2788cb5.2.CMILESTONE On-going: Every school districthas an annual snapshot-likeevent and science clubs have awater resources related projectDESIRED OUTCOMEEvery school district has awatershed or stream projectSUPPORTS GOAL 5.1_ca8e67ca-42a6-437f-9f69-0eab1e9eaf145.2.DMILESTONE Maintain a web-based clearinghousespecifically for educatorsDESIRED OUTCOMEBy 2005: Expanded Ed-Webcapacity and contentIncreased hits on Ed-Web SUPPORTS GOAL 5.1Private Sector AwarenessIncrease private sector awareness, understanding, and active participation in water resources issues._431f991d-f536-4fdb-bc1b-492073dae9d15.3Water resource protection and enhancement is a salientbusiness issue. The challenge is to create opportunities to form and firm thepartnerships that produce positive results in water resource issues and sustaincommerce in the Basin.Encouraging private businesses to adopt water resource stewardship as part of theirmission. A long-term corporate commitment to stewardship protects waterresources for future generations in many ways. While adopting water resourcefriendlypolicies at physical plant and office locations, corporations can advise theircustomers on how to handle or operate their products and inform them of anychanges of regulations. The private sector can also partner with non-profit and localassociations to promote community water resource programs.Disseminate information about water resource issues to the commercial community;describe water resource linkages with their commercial products and properties, andsuggest partnership opportunities. Highlight demonstration projects that showcaseinnovative and progressive commercial projects. These models serve as examplesfor other private sector interests as well as good public relations for water resourcemanagement.Information DisseminationCollect and disseminate to membersof the commercial communityinformation about water resourcesissues_a7c2d46c-f05c-42a0-8dad-03202fc356db5.3.AMILESTONE By 2007: Materials developedand distributedDESIRED OUTCOMEPrivate sector participationin water resource programsincreasedSUPPORTS GOAL 5.3Demonstration ProjectsHighlight demonstration projects thatprovide technology and informationtransfer to commercial interests in theBasin_b4dcaf84-942c-45b4-a72f-f2dd69af6cc65.3.BMILESTONEBy 2007: Private sectordemonstration project in eachsub-basinDESIRED OUTCOMEImprovement in localwatershed; transferability toother watershedsSUPPORTS GOAL 5.3Private Sector Funding and ParticipationEncourage private sector funding andparticipation in partnerships, initiativesand enhancement endeavors_ca07d636-791d-44ab-b9a3-1eede460efc45.3.CMILESTONE On-goingPublic OfficialsIncrease local public officials’ awareness, understanding, and active participation in water resources issues._9c7cc501-a7f6-4fc6-bc3f-d138d4ab83005.4As emphasized throughoutthis Plan, better local land use decisions are the key to protecting water resources.Public officials at the county and municipal levels make most of these decisions.Outreach to these officials is critical, because state and federal regulations do notand cannot provide a range of protection adequate to address all the potentialimpacts of land management decisions on water resources.Targeting elected officials and local leaders for education and assistance. Local leadershipis essential for local action. Leadership within the decision-making process can beespecially effective to forge the critical link between land use and water resourcemanagement.• The watersheds of the 13,539 square-mile Basin include all or portions of 838 towns,townships, boroughs and cities in 42 counties.• The political and legislative structure of three states and a commonwealth dictatedifferences in roles, responsibilities and authority among those entities.• Political cycles determine changes in community management occurring with greatfrequency — potentially every one to four years. Dedicated commitment is required toprovide education and technical resources as each new team of leaders takes office.Providing technical assistance to watershed communities. To incorporate changesin land use plans and regulations, watershed communities require technicalinformation that is scientifically sound and legally defensible. Broad-basedinformation about the role of planning in water resource management is a criticalelement of this education and outreach.• Generally, communities are hesitant to take action on an issue if it makes themvulnerable to legal action. Education and assistance programs must be developed to address this issue. Water resource protection needs to be easy and relatively effortlessfor successful local adoption and application. Model ordinances can facilitate this.Fostering partnership and communication among communities within each watershed. It isimportant for each jurisdiction to understand its role within a watershed. (See “KeyResult Area 3: Linking Land and Water Resource Management” for a discussion onwatershed community). Watershed communities should be encouraged to shareinformation, collaborate on similar issues and agree on desired water resourceoutcomes. Non-profit organizations such as local watershed alliances can helpfacilitate this collaboration.Addressing the upstream and downstream roles of the community as part of outreachto public officials. Programs to educate and encourage stewardship among publicofficials should help them to understand how their community fits into the largerpicture of the watershed, and where their watershed fits into the Basin.• Most officials have a good understanding of the political landscape in their county andstate. The ‘waterscape’ needs to become just as salient to accomplish improved waterresource results.Making funding and other resources available for watershed communities to prepare andimplement water resource-oriented plans and ordinances. Making resources availablewith a minimum of fuss and hassle can make a big difference at the local level.A dedicated fund to improve the water IQ of local decision-makers is especiallyvaluable and practical.One of the purposes of developing this document is to provide a management toolfor addressing the many water resource-related issues facing the Delaware RiverBasin. Through the narrative sections of this Plan, a direction has been set and Goalshave been identified to achieve the Desired Results. The following section is a Matrixof Goals and Objectives. The identified Objectives lead to successfully reaching theGoals. Accomplishing the Objectives requires applying the integrated managementconcepts described throughout the Basin Plan.Outreach and Technical AssistanceProvide outreach and technical assistance programs targeted at local public officials, professional staff andconsultants_dbc28b9a-acba-4b3e-b894-b64c2bd517a35.4.AMILESTONE By 2005: Examples of watershedcommunities’ innovativeprograms availableDESIRED OUTCOME Local ordinances protectwater resources withwatershed communitiesworking togetherSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1, 5.4Community-based ActionsWork with local governments to identify small watersheds where communitybased actions are essential to meeting DRB preservation and restoration goals_d6fec333-4c6b-4980-a574-b6645a473f275.4.BMILESTONE By 2007: Watershed communities are working on water resource issuesDESIRED OUTCOME All levels of government work together to improve watershed managementSUPPORTS GOAL 3.1, 4.4, 5.4Water Resource ProgramsWork with watershed community officials and organizations, and supply resources to develop effective waterresource programs_085b02c0-58db-4ac7-bf96-a5923330fd7a5.4.CMILESTONE By 2008: Watershedcommunities are adoptingand implementing effectiveprogramsDESIRED OUTCOMEWatershed communitiesaddressing shared concernsSUPPORTS GOAL3.1, 4.2, 4.3,4.4, 5.4FundingEnhance funding for locally based programs that pursue restoration and protection projects_90540ec0-4559-4374-a88c-8781e3dc8eea5.4.DMILESTONE By 2007: Increased availabilityof federal, state and privatefundsDESIRED OUTCOMEAdditional dollars availablefor localities2004-09-012010-02-08ArthurColman (www.drybridge.com)colman@drybridge.com