Federal, state and local regulations all have influence on land use in the LeTort watershed. A few of the more important governmental roles are described below:

At the Federal Level

Wetlands
Under the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating development involving filling and other activities in freshwater wetlands. Any project that requires filling of wetlands in the watershed must receive a Corps permit.

Hazardous Wastes
The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a pen-na- nent record of hazardous waste releases into the environment and assigns responsibility for cleanup under the Comprehensive  Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

At the State Level

Pennsylvania Scenic River Program
Designated a component of the State Scenic River system in 1988, the LeTort is now part of a program that recognizes outstanding natural waterways and guides state agencies in decisions involving permitting and land management issues in the riparian corridors along designated streams.

The LeTort's scenic corridor runs north from its source in South Middleton farmland along Route 34 to its confluence with the Conodoguinet Creek in Middlesex. The corridor essentially follows the width of the 100-year floodplain.

Although the Scenic River program does not establish a separate permitting process, it does require that state agencies refer to the guidelines developed in the designation study  when reviewing permit applications. These guidelines are designed to preserve the rural, pastoral nature of the scenic corridor and limit encroachments by new roads, quarries, earth moving, landfills, etc.

Underground Storage Tanks
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires permits for new underground storage tanks and registration of existing tanks. DEP has the authority to order corrective action to mitigate pollution from leaking tanks. Owners of leaking tanks are liable for replacement of damaged water supplies and restoration of groundwater quality.

Sewage Systems
Any on-lot sewage system larger than a typical residential septic field must be approved by DEP. Underlying geology is a major factor in the review process. 'The presence of sinkholes, depressions, or rock outcrops is cause for rnodification or rejection of the permit application.

At the Local Level

Zoning
All four municipalities in the watershed have adopted zoning ordinances to guide development within their jurisdictions. Zoning basically prevents land use conflicts or the overloading of municipal services and natural systems by overly dense development. The LeTort Regional Authority is available to advise local planning commissions and municipalities on methods to modify existing zoning codes and subdivision ordinances so that they reflect the latest techniques of development design consistent with mutually shared responsibilities for watershed protection.