Monroe County, PA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Act 167 (32 P.S. §680.1)
- Steep Slopes
- 15 percent-plus restricted
- NPDES
- Required at one acre
- Reviewer
- Monroe County Conservation District
- Creeks
- Brodhead, McMichael, Pocono
Summary
Pennsylvania's Stormwater Management Act (Act 167) drives Monroe County's rules: the county adopts watershed plans and each township enacts an ordinance controlling runoff. On the steep, rocky Pocono slopes above Brodhead Creek, that control matters.
Within six months following adoption and approval of the watershed storm water plan, each municipality shall adopt or amend, and shall implement such ordinances and regulations, including zoning, subdivision and development, building code, and erosion and sedimentation ordinances, as are necessary to regulate development within the municipality in a manner consistent with the applicable watershed storm water plan and the provisions of this act.
Full Breakdown
Under Act 167 (32 P.S. §680.1 et seq.), Monroe County prepares watershed stormwater plans and municipalities from Stroud and Pocono Townships to Coolbaugh adopt ordinances keyed to them. New development must manage runoff so post-construction flows into Brodhead Creek, McMichael Creek, Pocono Creek, and the Delaware River do not worsen downstream flooding. Steep slopes, often above 15 percent, and thin soils speed runoff, so many townships add steep-slope and impervious-cover limits. The Monroe County Conservation District reviews erosion and sediment control plans, and any earth disturbance of one acre or more needs a PA DEP NPDES construction permit.
Violations & Fines
Building without an approved stormwater plan draws stop-work orders and municipal fines, and illicit discharges to a stream or storm sewer trigger PA DEP enforcement under the Clean Streams Law, with penalties and mandatory restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a stormwater plan for my Pocono project?
Who reviews stormwater and erosion plans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
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