Protect Our Lehigh River from Poorly Planned Warehouse Development

The Lehigh River, flowing out of the Appalachian Mountains and through the densely populated Lehigh Valley region, is the “backyard river” for half a million people, and the keystone to Northeastern Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry. The areas that surround the river offer outdoor gathering spaces and accessible recreation opportunities for folks throughout the watershed, but especially in the cities of Allentown, Easton, and Bethlehem. But as the region becomes the logistics hub of the eastern seaboard, with over four square miles of warehouses and distribution centers built to date, the river’s health is at risk. Unless decision makers act to improve protections for local waterways, the area’s clean water and wildlife habitat could suffer irreversible harm.

Please join us in urging Pennsylvania legislators to protect the Lehigh River from poorly planned warehouse development by passing the Riparian Buffer Protection Act.

**This action is only for residents of Pennsylvania.

About You

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Personalize Your Letter

Dear {contact_data~title}{contact_data~lastName},

I am writing to request that you pass what's been known as the Riparian Buffer Protection Act HB 1275. This bill is essential to protecting the Lehigh River from poorly planned warehouse development that threatens our region’s shared water resources and outdoor recreation economy.

The Lehigh River, flowing out of the Appalachian Mountains and through the densely populated Lehigh Valley region, is the “backyard river” for half a million people, and the keystone to Northeastern Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry. The areas that surround the river offer outdoor gathering spaces and accessible recreation opportunities for folks throughout the watershed, but especially in the cities of Allentown, Easton, and Bethlehem, which are diverse and yet also overburdened by the impacts of climate change and legacy pollution. The lifeblood of a strong outdoor recreation industry, the Lehigh also offers river adventures to suit whitewater enthusiasts and sport fishers of all skill levels. But as the region becomes the logistics hub of the eastern seaboard, with over four square miles of warehouses and distribution centers built to date, the river’s health is at risk.

Poorly planned, large-scale warehouse and distribution center development threatens the health of the Lehigh River. By converting open space – like farmland, wetlands, and forests – into hard surfaces, the Lehigh River and its tributaries will experience more flooding and poor water quality. Impervious surfaces, like pavement, prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. This creates opportunity for warm, dirty, salty water to make its way into our creeks, streams, and rivers. The resulting poor water quality and increase in flooding disproportionately impacts downstream communities that have already borne the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change. Communities throughout the region have voiced concerns, but their power is limited in the face of laws that fail to protect communities and the environment.

Riparian buffers are the strips of land that run alongside creeks, streams, and rivers. A healthy riparian buffer includes a diverse amount of vegetation and vibrant wildlife. These buffers protect waterways by filtering out pollutants, soaking up potential flood water, and keeping the water cool for wildlife. They also provide recreational opportunities for people – like fishing, hiking, and hunting.

The Riparian Buffer Protection Act would guarantee at least 100 feet of riparian buffer for all creeks, streams, and rivers across the state. The most pristine waterways – those designated by the DEP as High Quality and Exceptional Value – would be guaranteed at least 300 feet of buffer. Currently, they are only guaranteed 150 feet. And those creeks, streams, and rivers that are considered to be degraded and polluted – or “impaired” – would be guaranteed 150 feet of vegetated buffer. Approximately 20% of stream miles in the Lehigh River watershed are considered “impaired”, so this would have a major local impact. What’s more, over 30% of Pennsylvania’s 86,000 stream miles are “impaired”, so this would have an incredible impact statewide.

While unbridled warehouse development continues along the Lehigh River, and climate change advances, floods and pollution will increase. I urge you to protect the Lehigh River watershed, and watersheds across the state, by passing the Riparian Buffer Protection Act.

Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Protect the Lehigh River for all Pennsylvanians.

Sincerely,

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}
{user_data~Address}
{user_data~City}, {user_data~State}
{user_data~Zip Code}
{user_data~Email Address}