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CHRISTINA WATERSHED FACES CLEANUP CHALLENGES - Deadline for Comments Extended (West Chester, Pa)

Release Date: 9/15/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - In response to citizens’ requests, the deadline to provide written comments on the water quality improvement plan for the Christina watershed, has been extended from September 15 until October 15, 2000.

The Christina watershed includes portions of the Christina River, Brandywine Creek, White Clay Creek, Red Clay Creek and Buck Run. The state has identified these waters as impaired, and water quality improvement plans called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) must be developed.

The Christina water quality improvement plan addresses nitrogen and phosphorus pollution at low flow. Proposed reductions of nitrogen and phosphorus range from 82 percent to two percent.

Water quality improvement plans include all the contributors of pollution - - from point sources (such as factories or sewage plants that discharge into a river) to non-point sources (including agricultural and urban runoff), plus a margin of safety. Water quality improvement plans will be useful in setting pollution reduction goals from specific sources in a community or watershed.

To help citizens participate in water quality improvement and explain the analysis of pollution levels at low flow in these water bodies, several public sessions were held.

For additional information, our website is www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/Christina/. Written comments should be submitted on or before October 15 to Ms. Lenka Berlin (3WP10), U.S. EPA, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.