Pennsylvania Storm Water Management Act Watershed Rules

Act 167, codified at 32 P.S. Sections 680.1-680.17, directs the Department of Environmental Protection to coordinate watershed stormwater plans. Counties prepare plans and municipalities within the watershed must adopt or amend ordinances within six months of plan approval. Plans set peak discharge release rates, infiltration requirements, and water-quality controls aligned with Pennsylvania's MS4 NPDES permits. Developers triggering earth disturbance generally must demonstrate post-construction stormwater management consistent with the plan.

Failure of a municipality to adopt a plan may forfeit DEP grant eligibility. Developer noncompliance can lead to DEP civil penalties up to $10,000 per day under the Clean Streams Law.