Impending change is the impetus for proactively planning

Sometimes a threat to your way of life can be a good thing. It can be the catalyst for building strong communities and protecting the environment. My vision for the Upper Delaware River Basin includes cohesive communities that are supported by a strong economic base, well designed in a way that is based on sustainable practices and protective ordinances, and surrounded by the magnificent natural areas that attract people to the region. Of course, the major feature that binds the region together is a healthy Delaware River.

To realize this vision, we need to do a lot of work. More people are discovering the wonderful treasure of the Upper Delaware. This is a good thing for economic growth, but planning is needed in order to make the growth a positive asset versus a detriment to the area. Now is the time to assess what areas should be protected because they naturally confer benefits we just can’t engineer at a reasonable cost, and to develop sustainable design standards for land use development.

While doing my graduate work, I had the opportunity to study under Ian McHarg, an environmental planner and landscape architect at the University of Pennsylvania, who preached the need to design with nature. Don’t level an area for new development and then replace the natural assets with man-made features—so don’t, for instance, cut down the forest and then be required to build stormwater retention basins. Every site plan, new highway and commercial development can be improved by working with the existing environmental features. In the end, we’ll spend less on our vital infrastructure too!

I mention these land-based ideas, because changes to the land can profoundly affect the flows and water quality of the Delaware River and its tributary streams. One thing I have learned is the importance of forests to a healthy river system. I am greatly encouraged by the Common Waters Initiative and work by some of the Upper Delaware counties. Public officials, non-profits and major land owners are reaching across state and county borders to learn from each other and build the tools needed for a sustainable future.

The proposed natural gas production in the upper basin is the change that has many concerned. But this change is coming to the Upper Delaware, and we need to be prepared. There are potential benefits of natural gas well drilling for the nation, states and land owners, but we must ensure that all aspects of natural gas production are conducted in a way that minimizes environmental and community impact. This applies to both the siting and operation of the facilities. There can be significant impacts to water resources if these activities are not undertaken correctly. That is why, on May 5, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Commissioners required staff to develop specific regulations for gas drilling prior to any action on the individual well pad dockets.

The Upper Delaware Basin is a precious and unique resource worthy of protection. It is a water supply for over 15 million people and a haven for recreation. The clean, plentiful flows of the upper river provide a head start for all the water uses in the industrial and urban areas downstream. The river supports healthy and diverse aquatic communities from the trout in the headwaters to the oysters of the bay. The river’s designation as a federal Wild and Scenic River and its high water quality, protected by DRBC’s Special Protection Waters Program, set our Delaware River apart from other waterways. Change can be a good thing, and by working together now to shape this change, we can ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.

[Carol R. Collier is the executive director of the Delaware River Basin Commission.]