Meuser Meets with EPA to Discuss Stormwater Management in Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) met with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday to discuss the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) program in Pennsylvania:

"We met with Cosmo Servidio, EPA Regional Administrator, staff from EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 3), Dr. Andrew Sawyers, Director of EPA's Wastewater Office, and Christian Rodrick from EPA's Office of Legislative Affairs, during a lengthy discussion regarding MS4 and stormwater management in Pennsylvania. We covered this issue from a federal perspective representing the Ninth District of Pennsylvania. I expressed the deep concerns and grievances from the people of the Ninth District and how inequitable this stormwater situation seems to be all over the state and basin. This initiative must be transparent and equitable before constituents are asked to pay a fee," said Meuser. "We asked that the EPA reevaluate the current guidelines, review the costs being required by municipalities to achieve compliance, and work to find a way to act environmentally consciously while also not being financially burdensome to the people. Officials from Washington participated in the meeting, including representation from the White House. Al Fox from Jackson Township and Dave Sutton from Lehman Township also made the case that the cost to comply is overly burdensome to their residents. Township officials from Luzerne County, farmers from Lebanon County, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection also participated."

"People are understandably frustrated and confused," said Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Baker. "I applaud supervisors Dave Sutton and Al Fox for sharing the difficulties small communities are facing to comply and reiterating the need for a comprehensive state strategy and dedicated resources. As the EPA reviews the proposed state plan, the process and terminology need to be more clearly defined so everyone is operating from the same page."

"I applaud Congressman Meuser's efforts in organizing this meeting. The rain water tax is taking a toll on all of us. We are dealing with an unfunded, Federal mandate," said Pennsylvania State Representative Karen Boback. "This meeting showcased the need to have Federal funds accompany the Federal mandate. I am therefore, looking to the Feds to come to the table to provide financial solutions to this costly mandate."