Environmental Review of Proposed Water Withdrawal Design
Downington Municipal Water Authority
Downington, PA
Surface water demand for residential and commercial use has begun to exceed supply
in suburban southeastern Pennsylvania. New sources of water are being selected
and managed by regulatory agencies in this growing region more carefully
than ever to ensure that a dependable supply can be obtained without causing
undue harm to important natural resources.
Kleinschmidt was asked to review a proposed surface water withdrawal on the East Branch Brandywine River, a locally significant waterway known for its high water quality, cold water fishery, historic significance and scenic beauty. The purpose of the review was to complete a pre-permit environmental feasibility audit to determine if the proposal contained issues of concern to resource management and permitting agencies that would preclude the feasibility of the project. Kleinschmidt identified and addressed issues pertaining to maintenance of wetlands, potential habitat impacts for the federally and state-listed endangered bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) and trout habitat.
Kleinschmidt consulted with key agency personnel in the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Chester County Water Resources Board, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kleinschmidt’s services included field reconnaissance to survey stream cross-sections and gage discharge and river stage for habitat suitability analyses, and a detailed review of the stream hydrology.
In addition, Kleinschmidt biologists and hydrologists used the newly developed Susquehanna River Basin Commission instream habitat protection guidelines and an analysis of basin hydrology information to evaluate the proposed withdrawal’s capability of providing reliable yield under a range of potential minimum pass-by flows under both normal and worst-case drought conditions. Kleinschmidt subsequently developed these analyses for presentation to the Pennsylvania DEP.