Oil Creek Project

The CCWA is partnering with the Codorus Chapter of Trout Unlimited on the Oil Creek Restoration & TMDL Implementation Project. Oil Creek is listed on Pennsylvania's 303(d) list of impaired waters. The cause of the impairment is sediments from various nonpoint sources of pollution. In January 2003, Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection published its proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Oil Creek which includes sediment reductions of 60%. Significant stream bank and channel erosion is occuring along a 2.5 mile reach of Oil Creek, downgradient from Hanover Borough, from urban stormwater runoff. The goal is to stabilize stream banks and channel using "natural stream channel design" fluvial geomorphic restoration techniques. On February 3, 2003, the CCWA applied to Pennsylvania's Growing Greener Program for a $285,000 grant for the project. Grant awards are expected in July 2003.