Floodplain Management Deadline Nears; Training Scheduled
Many Potter County townships and boroughs are facing serious challenges in meeting new stormwater management regulations. Commissioner Nancy Grupp reports that help is on the way for local government leaders. The county will be hosting a three-day training session at the Gunzburger Building Oct. 21-23. Further information is available online at train.org/pa. Comm. Grupp explained that Erb Inspections Inc. of Lawrenceville, which provides stormwater management for approximately 40 townships and boroughs in Potter and Tioga counties, will discontinue its services effective Dec. 31. Affected municipalities must appoint a new flood plain manager and have that person trained before Jan. 1.
Devastation inflicted by remnants of Hurricane Debby last August and other high-water emergencies spawned new regulations to protect vulnerable low-lying properties. Local governments are required to meet the standards in their own stormwater management infrastructure. They also must regulate development within designated flood hazard areas. New construction and development there is generally prohibited or highly restricted. Lowest floors must be elevated. Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, are not permitted unless they can be shown to not increase flood levels. Development proposals within floodplains often require hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to assess the potential impact on flood levels.
Townships and boroughs must require permits and must conduct inspections to ensure compliance. They can also take enforcement actions if violations are found. Pa. Emergency Management Agency will be auditing compliance. Townships and boroughs found to be in violation could lose their eligibility for federally subsidized flood insurance.