The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved the redesignation of more than 530 miles of streams across 34 counties as High Quality Waters, expanding environmental protections for 98 waterways statewide.
The redesignation covers nearly 340 stream miles within Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The action follows earlier classifications by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), which identified the streams as Class A Wild Trout Streams.
High Quality Waters designation applies stricter environmental standards to future development and discharge permits affecting these waterways. The protections aim to preserve existing water quality conditions, safeguard aquatic ecosystems, and support cold-water fisheries.
The newly protected streams support wild trout habitats, recreational fishing, boating, hiking, tourism, and regional drinking water resources. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved the final regulation. DEP will now submit the redesignation package to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for federal approval and implementation through state permitting and regulatory programs.
The redesignation marks Pennsylvania’s first Chesapeake Bay watershed stream protections under the current leadership of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council. The action also follows the state’s highest Chesapeake Bay watershed health grade in more than 20 years.