The Stream and Wetland Regulatory Program's commitment to fostering knowledge and informed decision-making is exemplified through the Clean Water Academy (CWA), DEP’s advanced Learning Management System.
The CWA platform delivers interactive technical training modules, enlightening educational videos, and timely webinars addressing pertinent issues within the water management sector. Furthermore, it ensures access to the most current guidance resources, facilitating a deeper understanding of best practices and regulatory compliance.
As part of the Program’s dedication to providing cutting-edge support, continuous updates are made to Program webpages with innovative online tools and data. These resources are designed to empower stakeholders with the knowledge necessary for effective decision-making in complex scenarios. By integrating accessible education with advanced technology, the Program strives to cultivate a community of informed and responsible stewards of our water resources.
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1. Wetland DeterminationThis training provides a basic understanding of how to properly recognize wetlands in Pennsylvania and at the conclusion the learner will be able to identify and evaluate the three components that make up a wetland; hydrology, hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil.
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2. Foundations of Pennsylvania SoilsThis series of trainings introduces learners to soils and their formations and physical properties. This foundation is an important step in better understanding future training on hydric soils.
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3. Guiding Principles of Aquatic Ecosystem RestorationThis introductory training covers several important aspects of the guiding principles that are important to the execution of highly successful restoration projects. The training is presented in four parts: Introduction, Basic Watershed and Ecosystem Functions, Watershed Alterations and Effects, and finally Project Considerations. Completion of this training will provide a good foundation for future trainings that will dive deeper into the topics, research, and DWET program development efforts.
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4. Case Study – Legacy Sediment Evaluation at Oil Creek:This training is designed to introduce learners to concepts of stream restoration including evaluating legacy sediments. This case study will demonstrate different aspects relating to the legacy sediment impairment at Oil Creek in York County, Pennsylvania. Historical photographs and maps will be evaluated along with the features observed on site. Soil stratigraphy from exploratory trenches will also be evaluated.
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5. Legacy Sediment Removal, Floodplain Restoration and Permitting:This webinar provided historical background on legacy sediments within Pennsylvania. It also included a discussion on principles of floodplain restoration as well as permitting considerations for legacy sediment removal and floodplain restoration projects.
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6. Constructed and Restored Wetlands in the Agricultural LandscapeIn this course you will learn what wetlands are and why they are important and how to leverage constructed and restored wetlands within the agricultural landscape to restore and improve water quality, reduce erosion, improve flood storage and reduce damage, and restore natural habitats while still enabling agricultural production.
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7. Overview of Guidance for Developing a Chapter 105 Alternatives AnalysisThis course is an overview of the DEP's new technical guidance document "Guidance for Developing a Chapter 105 Alternatives Analysis", which is a requirement of the Chapter 105 Environmental Assessment. The course is intended for applicants and consultants. This guidance was published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Aug 5, 2023 at 53 Pa.B. 4501, and is available for download on PA DEP's eLibrary.
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8. Mastering FEMA Data- A step-by-step TutorialLearn how to obtain FEMA data in various formats like PDF, GIS, and Google Earth. The tutorial guides users through accessing FEMA data, downloading firm maps, and navigating the National Flood Hazard layer webpage. It explains how to use mapping tools, zoom in on areas, and download PDFs. Additionally, it covers accessing GIS data and downloading Google Earth KMZ files, providing a comprehensive overview of the process.
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9. PA Natural Heritage Program/PA Conservation ExplorerThe webinar will introduce conservation district staff to the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) and Pennsylvania Conservation Explorer, an online tool for conservation planning and environmental review. The tool provides access to biodiversity information, leading to better planning and fewer project impacts on rare, threatened, endangered species and resources of special concern.
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10. Chapter 105 e-permitting Training CenterThese instructional trainings are to assist users and provide supplemental instruction as a visual guide to Chapter 105 General Permits within e-permitting.
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11. How to Use eMapPAThis session introduces participants to eMapPA, Pennsylvania’s interactive mapping application for environmental and facility data. Learners will explore key features such as water resource and chemistry data, stream assessments, designated uses, and monitoring points. Using City Island in Harrisburg as a case study, participants will practice measuring area, distance, and geographic coordinates. The training concludes with a guided video on how to look up “protected use,” giving users hands-on experience with data extraction, map layers, and advanced queries.
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1. The Importance of Pennsylvania WetlandsThis short video highlights the history and importance of wetlands to Pennsylvania’s environment.
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2. Restoration of Watershed Resources:This short video highlights the critical importance of watershed health for both environmental integrity and public well-being.
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1. DEP’s Bridge and Culvert Maintenance and Repair ToolThis online interactive tool designed to assist bridge and culvert owners in determining what, if any, permit and notification requirements are needed for bridge and culvert maintenance and repair. By answering questions about the bridge and culvert, the nature of the proposed work, and to avoid delays the tool will direct users on how to move forward with the project.
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2. PA Historic and Breached Dam DataThis dataset contains historic and breached dam locations within Pennsylvania that are no longer operational. The dam locations were extracted from historic 15-minute quadrangle maps with dates ranging from the 1920s thru the 1970s. These quadrangle maps were georeferenced, dam locations extracted via head-up digitizing, and attributes added from Pennsylvania’s dam safety inventory system.
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1. VideosCurrently the Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands is collaborating with multiple entities to produce 5 short videos on Public Access to Pennsylvania’s Waterways, Leaf Pressing, Flooding in Pennsylvania, Culvert Replacement and How to Identify Poison Ivy. We are also looking into micro learning experiences with experienced staff and technical subject matter related to the Bureau.
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2. TrainingsA multitude of trainings and webinars are currently in production on subjects ranging from Hydric Soils, Wetland Determination with the Army Corp, Restoration and Stream Continuity.
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3. EducationThe Bureau is collaborating with education professionals to develop and curate material to be used as resources for environmental educators.