Senate Agriculture, Environmental Resources and Energy Committees to Hold Public Hearing on Chesapeake Bay Mandates

What:  The state Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and Environmental Resources & Energy Committee will discuss Chesapeake Bay mandates during a joint public hearing slated for Tuesday at the State Capitol.  The committees are specifically interested in opinions on Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Strategy and any potential funding sources to meet future obligations.

Who:   Click here for the Hearing Agenda

When:  Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

9:30AM – 12PM

Where:  Hearing Room 1

North Office Building

BACKGROUND:  In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that Pennsylvania reduce the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment it sends into the Chesapeake Bay by 2025.  Sources include wastewater treatment systems, urban stormwater, and agricultural runoff.  Bank erosion carries sediment and manure carries nitrogen and phosphorous into streams and rivers.

In order to help get the Commonwealth back on track to meet the mandated reduction goals, 10 percent of Pennsylvania farms in the Bay watershed will be inspected annually to ensure they have written plans for manure or nutrient management and erosion control.

NOTE:  Individuals outside the General Assembly can view the hearing LIVE at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.

More information is available on Senator Yaw’s website, www.SenatorGeneYaw.com, on Facebook and @SenatorGeneYaw on Twitter.

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