Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing Areas

Abstract

The Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing Areas is a new site planning and BMP selection guide for developers, engineers, municipal officials, Conservation District personnel and others involved with planning, designing, reviewing, approving or building development projects. It describes practices and principles that are effective in controlling erosion and sediment and managing storm water, and that also efficiently use space, are esthetically pleasing, and preserve or even improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Thirty seven practices are described, including smaller, less obstrusive practices that can be used in combination, along with larger conventional structural practices. While the Handbook is not a regulatory document, it can be used to develop site plans that meet Pennsylvania requirements for erosion and sediment control and for local storm water control regulations.

The Handbook is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Keystone Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding for its development was partially provided through the Environmental Protection Agency. The firm of CH2M Hill was retained to prepare the Handbook, finished in Spring 1998.