2006 Update

ridge of the Allegheny Mountains.

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

of Pennsylvania. It is bounded on the north by hour drive from Pittsburgh, about 95 miles or 2.5 located in the center of the County along is mostly rural and covers approximately 1,147 ty, U.S. Washington D.C., and most other eastern 1 1 location relative to Pennsylvania and surrounding are 51 municipalities in Clearfield County; 30

Clear Centre and Clinton Counties; south by Cambria County; and west . It is to the west of the main

DESCRIPTION GENERAL Clearfield County is located slightly west of the center The Borough of Clearfield is the County Seat and is West Branch of the Susquehanna River. There townships, 20 boroughs, and one city. The County Clearfield County is approximately 85 miles, or a 2- hours from Harrisburg and approximately 175 miles or a 4-hour drive from Philadelphia. Clearfield County is also within a day’s drive of New York Ci population centers. Figure 1 shows the County’s counties. Elk and Cameron Counties; east by by Jefferson and Indiana Counties square miles, making it the fourth largest county in Pennsylvania in terms of land area. NMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

789 feet above sea level where Ridge, known as “Big Knob.”

Figure 1 ENVIRO CHAPTER 5: PHYSICAL TOPOGRAPHY Clearfield County is just west of the center of the state on the wes- tern slope of the Allegheny The topography of Clearfield Mountains. County is steep rolling to hilly. The County has no distinct mountain ranges, but there are ridges and hills broken by valleys and streams. The elevation ranges from a low of River leaves the the West Branch of Susquehanna County to a high high of 2,405 feet on Chestnut 2006 Update for a small area in the n assist us in avoiding ale, and siltstone. lar, undulating surface, dstone, and coal.

nearly level to steep hilltops, ridges, level to moderately steep uplands,

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

2 2 for most of the County, except found shallow to deep on nearly level and gently sloping gently sloping to very steep hilltops, ridges, hillsides, and

Clear ic form is described as smooth to irregu is predominately shale, siltstone, san nvironment and its development limitations ca deep on moderately steep to very steep hillsides on moderately steep to deep ll drained soils found deep at nearly

and gently folded sedimentary rocks of sandstone, sh ly drained soils found shallow to deep on the principal drainage system

map of the physiographic provinces County.) of Clearfield

into the Allegheny River (Ohio River Basin).

terials derived from horizontal e prone to landslides, flooding, and erosion. nes and reclaimed land. The underlying rock sburgh Low Plateau whose dominate topograph use planning. Understanding our natural e , which are poorly drained to moderately well soils , which are moderately well drained and we

, which are well drained to somewhat poor il classifications found in Clearfield County: , which are well drained soils found deep and moderately deep on , which are well drained soils found deep and moderately

floodplains and terraces Atkins-Philo-Monongahela Udorthents-Gilpin-Rayne Hazelton-Dekalb Rayne-Gilpin-Ernest Cookport-Hazelton-Clymer foot slopes ridges, and hillsides on the Allegheny Plateau benches, and foot slopes benches, and foot

development in high risk areas, such as thos soils map of Clearfield County.) the general map section of the Appendices to view (Please see 5. 4. Soils Soils PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Clearfield County falls entirely in the Pitt narrow, relatively shallow valleys; strip mi The West Branch of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries form northwestern corner of the County which drains Topography is an important tool in land map section of the Appendices to view a (Please see NATURAL RESOURCES Chapter 5 Soils The soils of Clearfield County formed in ma 3. There are five general so 1. 2. 61 acres. 61 acres. pation as their

2006 Update or approximately rs leans more toward more toward rs leans ymer soil association, l Conservation Service.

ic of soils is slope. nition, between 75% and ite development, others have defined “small in identifying yields per

port some other occu

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

3 3 One widely used characterist

Department of Agriculture and Department rfield County farmers re

Clear al facilities, wildlife habitat, building s l of ground. Soil properties can assist ation followed by the Cookport-Hazelon-Cl

capacity outside their farm. s in Clearfield County can be considered “mini-farms” with 225 all scale. The United States or have a gross income of $50,000 or less per year. By this defi Clearfield County according to the USDA’s 2002 Census of Agricu lture of this with 54.5%

the prime farmland soil map of Clearfield County). es, and the suitability for construction materials.

employment of Clea off the farm. 49.4%

17 % are generally unsuitable for development. water resources, development of recreation ose of the Rayne-Giplin-Ernest soil associ development that would best suit a parce k, poultry, and their related products. ing less than $2,500 in annual sales. farmers reporting working in some farmersreporting working in se refer to the Clearfield County Soil Survey pre pared by the US Department of Agriculture’s Soi

primary occupation with 65.0% of development of on-lot sewage and landfill faciliti Slope percentages equal to or greater than 48% of all farms in the County report farms” to be those farms that are less than 180 acres in size are small farms. Many farm 88% of all farms in Clearfield County Most farming in Clearfield County is done on a relatively sm Many farmers in Clearfield County also have For more soil information, plea which make up 78% of the County. acre of crops and pastures, management of Agriculture Agriculture PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Clearfield County soils are predominately th Prime farmland soils in Clearfield County account for 17% of our soils or 127,000 acres. map section of the Appendices to view (Please see Soils tell us a great deal about the types of Chapter 5 Agriculture Agriculture plays only a minor role in Clearfield ThereCounty’s economy. are 468 farms in the County covering a total of 60,9 County farme Clearfield of agricultural products sold by value of this land is used for crops, but the market Approximately 61% in million$11.1were sold in agricultural products livestock. amount attributable to sales of livestoc ery seven

2006 Update clude significant and wood products and wood

of fields, open space, ure and fixtures exceed ure and fixtures exceed s in agriculture and s in agriculture as. Key features of the s have led to many ia Department of ntinue, or expand their loan program aimed at program aimed loan

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

the ASA. They are reviewed ev 4 4 capital they need to begin, co

tion of export grade hardwood. Exports in Clear rdwoods. Pennsylvania exports of lumber 1.14 million acres or 1,800 square miles

The First Industries Fund is part of PA Grows, the Pennsylvan er $45 billion annually and providing approximately 1 in 6 job eir businesses is the First Industries Fund which is a grant and

oducers in gaining access to the added to an established ASA at any time.

among the 50 United States in produc the sixth largest in nation.

of paper and allied products are over $300 million annually, while exports of furnit oak, black cherry, sugar maple, and other ha pers. Overall, Pennsylvania developed some

Voluntary for farmers. Petitions are submitted to township supervisors by the farmers to create A minimum of 250 acres from among all the participating farmers is required. years; however, new parcels of farmland may be • •

strengthening Pennsylvania's agriculture and tourism industries. Agriculture's new initiative, designed to assist agricultural pr businesses. One tool available to assist farmers in retaining or growing th On the upside, Pennsylvania ranks number one program are: Agricultural Security Areas are a tool for strengthening and protecting our quality farmland from the urbanization of rural are PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Preservation Agricultural Agriculture is the largest industry in Pennsylvania, producing ov related businesses. Farmers are facing a tough challenge when it comes to keeping their land profitable through agriculture. These financial issue farmers selling their properties to develo and natural land between 1982 and 1997— Chapter 5 The State also offers a number of farmland preservation programs as well. Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) Ag. Preservation

quantities of high quality red maple, red are nearly $350 million annually. Exports $50 million annually.

ricultural 500 acres At least half arcels as small

2006 Update and to non- nted agricultural ed development rights)

f State funds, approval Ag. Preservation

quest if the ASA has at least field County Comprehensive Plan ______

5 5 s with a minimum of 50 acres in size. P : g to the following criteria:

Clear se conservation easements (sometimes call ies participating in the program have appoi land or used for the production of crops unique to the area. acres or be able to produce $2,000 annually from the sale of ag se Program at the landowner’s re

ing land, and it must contain 50 soil capability classes I-N. ram was developed in 1988 to help slow the loss of prime farml is program. The State board is responsible for distribution o her eligible parcels accordin

require that easements be purchased on farm

State and local government agencies

e, county, and local governments to purcha Agricultural Security Areas in Clearfield County easements were purchased in 1989. Count and specific easement purchases.

enrolled. An ASA may include non-adjacent farmland parcels of at least 10 Local ordinances affecting farming activities Nuisance complaints A review of farmland condemnation by An ASA qualifies land for consideration under the Easement Purcha as 10 acres may be preserved if adjacent to existing preserved farm the tract must either be harvested cropland, pasture, or graz Quality of the Farmland. State regulations products. • Participants receive special consideration regarding: • • • • • Brady Township Burnside Township Chest Township Union Township

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Chapter 5 Easement Purchase Program The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Prog How Farms Are Chosen For Easement Purchase Aside from being part of an ASA, the farm is rated against ot • • • • Currently, the following municipalities have agricultural uses. The program enables stat from owners of quality farmland. The first land preservation boards with a state board created to oversee th and monitoring of county programs, trol of soil

2006 Update s to the next ts use rather than ng-term installment requires that a 10-

first item that needs to be and capable of producing t 80% of our county is t 80% eloped for this

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

acquisition based on a variety of factors such 6 6 practices of nutrient management and con tools should be utilized. The ultural operations. Since abou

Clear st reserve). Parcels less than 10 acres

, forest land, and open space by taxing land according to i will be scored and ranked for a lump sum payment, installments up to five years, or on a lo for the agriculture use designation. Land taken out of the permitted use becomes duce debt loads, expand operations, and as a way to pass on farm unty assessment offices. The program is voluntary and generally interest penalty. rfield County, the above-mentioned

are compatible with existing agric for sale to counties conservation practices and best management

Fortunately, we have seen little conflicts with existing agricultural operations. icultural use, agricultural reserve, and fore seven years, and an

Proximity of farm to sewer and water lines Extent and type of non-agricultural uses nearby Amount and type of agricultural use in the vicinity The amount of other preserved farmland in close proximity

• • • • as: Stewardship. Farms are rated on the use of Likelihood of conversion. Easements offered erosion and sedimentation. • • addressed in this plan is to assure that land use regulations generation. basis. Many farmers use the proceeds from easement sales to re In drafting a specific agricultural preservation plan for Clea

unzoned, agricultural operations are not unduly restricted. For those municipalities who do have zoning, the County will be en couraging them as, identified in the goals and objectives sect ion, to review and update their regulations to assure that the vision statements dev comprehensive plan update are achievable. Ag. Preservation Preservation Ag. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Sale Proceeds From Easement Farmers may choose to receive the proceeds from easement sales in Chapter 5 Green Program The Clean and The Clean and Green Act of 1974 was established to preserve farmland the prevailing market value. The program is administered by co acre minimum remain in designated use (agr $2,000 annually from the sale of agricultural products are eligible subject to a rollback tax, imposed for up to 2006 Update wer mercer hard 6 billion tons that lly found above the . We believe that the

vailable for preserving acts, if a large scale red over 290-330 e State for bituminous had the highest number year within the County. such a program. Also, Also, a program. such velopment of a program 90s. Coal production still farms and even look to it s can be found in the

field County Comprehensive Plan ______are also abundant and are currently being

until declining in the ‘80-‘ 7 7 The common mined clays are the lo her or whet not their many are concerned rgins, s with some high volatile coal Pennsylvania period whichPennsylvania period occur eld County was ranked third in th

Clear want to retain the option to sell their to present the State programs that are a ic development agencies, and our municipal officials in developing they are very concerned about future imp any mining. Now there are approximately 7 m the agriculture community in developing oduction records show that Clearfield County

h the different coal layers. cess and more expensive to recover. sites in the that State. Over 2.7 million tons were extracted rfield County for several decades In fact, at one time Clearfi . Mostly medium volatile coalmedium . Mostly for making decorative brick. Sandstones ng the time geologists call cipality. They have expressed inte rest in addressing such impacts e too is a common mineral found exposed at the surface and usua generation and the low profit ma

for use as road fill or low use secondary roads. the interest of our agricultural sector, we would provide assistance with the de District, they expressed that area farmers

rchases, we have seen little interest fro n begin by hosting informational meetings work with our conservation district, econom duly restrict existing operations. However, s been on the increase. In 2002, coal pr ad around 107 billion tons of coals prior to ver, will be more difficult to ac in bituminous coal fields of PA

( Bigler) clay. Much of these clays are used

operations will be sustained. when conferring with the County Conservation as their retirement fund. With little interest from the younger designed to meet their needs. We would the resultant preservation program. agricultural lands and operations. Based upon Minerals Minerals PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES As for agricultural preservation easement pu Most municipal officials do not want to un County’s role in agricultural preservation ca Minerals Coal and clay are the major minerals Chapter 5 found in Clearfield County. coal production and first for clay production. Clearfield County sits within the ma Clearfield County’s bituminous or “soft” coal was deposited duri concentrated animal feed operation were to come their muni remain. Much of what remains, howe million years ago. Coal production was a major industry for Clea occurs today. In fact, coal production ha mine and active employees, bituminous surface mine operators, of The many clay zones that have been mined for years are underneat mined across the County mainly for construction materials. Shal coal seams. This material is generally well suited County. It has been estimated that PA h clay and the Clarion 2006 Update uel. A large mining Truck traffic was n of Penfield to get

dfill located in Elk truck traffic has traffic impacts is being , it was a factor in them

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

8 8 the sense that additional traffic as does the Greentree lan

Clear ncern to the local municipality. In fact

al extraction has seen a recent boom with the high cost of f ailers moving goods to and from the north through the tow main gateway to the PA Wilds, a statewide tourism initiative. ented some land use conflicts in s a strong percentage of this

2

NA Tons

473,535 126,329

m this new coal operation are of great co to the volume of tractor-tr

Year 1980 1999 2004 lti-municipal plan with four of their neighboring municipalities. Specific funding to analyze Surface Mined Minerals Surface Mined

1 Tons

2,741,750 3,157,825 10,460,138

Coal Production Source - “The Mineral Industry of PA”, WilliamKebblish- “The Mineral Industryof Source Year 1981 1999 2004

deciding recently to prepare a mu proposed. 1. Source- DEP Annual Mining Reports 2. Robert J. Tuchman & the Interstate. A large powdered metals industry north generate County. These additional traffic impacts fro already an issue before this operation due operation is currently underway in Huston Township which has pres impacted the small town of Penfield which also happens to be the PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES producer of clay. was a top County Clearfield Note: During 1980, period did not during this time mining reports All state and federal data. proprietary disclosing company numbers to avoid production contain Mineral extractions are making a comeback in Clearfield County. Co Minerals

2006 Update re-mined and uld improve issues ining permit would provide some would provide s opposed was the

permits. Without zoningpermits. review process which was Conflicts with local pproach to protecting es. Another mode of ruck. Rail could be used to be used Rail couldruck. ns. One countymunicipality,ns. mineral extractions. The extractions. mineral

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

local streams. Two such m e's issuance of local mining 9 9 nsuitable for mining”. If approved, it

Clear such water sources, will utilize this a State. One of those applications that wa impacts and make recommendations that co iction or control to stop such operatio c tool to control any negative impacts from

not enough to influence the Stat ose proximity to the headwaters of local land use regulations before issuing certain permits. Township, there are unfortunately no other alternative rout conflicts with mineral extraction is the State’s Act 67 and 68

were ultimately issued permits by the ning. The County, as a means to protect from an environmental stance since many old abandoned un-reclaimed lands have been clare Big Run and Willholm Run watersheds “u younger sandstones is classified as s and resource extractors to address such e State, local municipalities have no jurisd rt mineral extraction if it degrades our zoning district, zoning is not a realisti e use of rail. Opportunities exist to move existing goods by rail rather than by t s. In the case of Huston important economy for the area. However, the Middle to Lower Devonian rocks. nflicts with other land use documents .

located in Huston Township. sportation network.

operations mentioned earlier transportation that is quickly growing th free up our highway tran then reclaimed. Some others have garnered concern due to their cl Some mineral extractions have been positive applications were heavily opposed last year yet last year heavily opposed applications were PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Since mineral extraction is allowed in any Since resource extraction is regulated by th Graham Township, petitioned the State to de protection for those watersheds from surface mi pristine watersheds. are irrelevant. Mineral extraction is an it has been identified as a major concern during our public participation process. The majority of our residents do not suppo area’s water quality, environment and/or natural beauty. Oil & Gas Gas production from the Upper Devonian or shallow and is not typically used for gas production, but does get used as gas Oil & Gas Gasstorage reservoirs. located within Onondaga and Oriskany Groups is classified as deep and these reserves are where most gas production occurs County will work with our local municipalitie such as alternative traffic routes or mode instilled a few years ago which requires State agencies to consider Another means that has been unsuccessful in addressing land use comprehensive plans and the County’s natural areas inventory were regulations, we have been told that co century. th

2006 Update lateau previously opy as well. an chestnut,and berry make up a pine. Today, these pine. Today, ractions, natural rtion of the County. f the early 20 are almost all second or also red oak and black e County, you will find a ld with other main gas state 80 which contains canopy trees such as tulip acent eco-region especially

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

mostly in the southeastern po 10 oak, black oak, red Americ y from timbering and mineral ext The forests of Clearfield County hern hardwoods and hemlock/white

Clear eatly increased. The Western Allegheny P the largest gas fields is the Rockton fie d valleys, contain more diverse mixture of afras, and black gum. Mountainbluegum. and laurel black afras, northern portion of the County north of inter species was decimated by the chestnut blight o . However, they also contain species of the adj

gle oak, scarlet oak, chestnut shallow gas fields can be found found be can fields gas shallow for forest dwelling species. the history of Clearfield Count communities. In the Central Appalachian Mountains portion of th Hollywood areas of the County. plateau is characterized by nort

e contiguous forest blocks map of Clearfield County).

There is often a shrub layer of mountain laurel and blueberry found under the can

for distinct forest aple, black cherry, and sugar maple have gr e northwestern part of the County. One of evations, the forest communities are dominate d by oaks - primarily chestnut oak, but y, typically lands of lower elevations an of lower elevations typically lands y, the County. This is particularly true of the up of red maple, black birch, white oak, sass an important component of this forest until the oak, and cucumber magnolia. characteristic of the eco-region they fall in

e Penfield, DuBois, Sabula and

communities have redeveloped across large areas of contiguous forest that provided abundant habitat third growth stands. black cherry. Today, red maple and black birch are common. poplar, green ash, swamp white Forest in the southern portion of the Count PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Clearfield County contains both shallow and deep gas fields. The Forest Despite the extensive land disturbances that have occurred over map section of the Appendices to view th (Please see Forest following lines of topography. Several deep gas fields can be found in th production areas located in th The three ecoregions of the County provide Less disturbed forests tend to be On upper slopes, drier sites, and higher el was dominated by white oak with shagbark hickory, red maple, shin oak. American chestnut was once mesophytic influenced forests made majority of the understory this forest. The High Allegheny species are much less prevalent while red m

2006 Update e barred owl depend he State’s forest

largers within a essary to maintain ania. This important supports a variety of

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

habit. Species such as th 11 portion of Clearfield County fall Fish & Boat Commission’s Fishable Waters Map

Clear iguous forested in the state of Pennsylv

,244 acres of contiguous forested e area sensitive species decline. A significant component of t canopy cover. The northern

gray squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, chipmunks,

black bears, fishers, opossums, porcupines,

nt Road Bridge and 3) Simeling Run many area sensitive forest dwelling birds, but also has global significance since it g these contiguous forested areas. there are several streams, lakes, ponds, in the Susquehanna River drainage

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Fish Most of Clearfield County falls with Basin. Today’s variety of species is limited due to extensive acid mine drainage, impaired streams, and obstructions such as the Curwensville Dam and the Shawville power plant. Such obstructions can impact water quality and quantity, temperature, and migration. Clearfield County does contain three Class A wild trout streams: 1) Moshannon Creek from headwaters downstream to Roup Run 2) Jack Dent Branch from headwaters downstream to Jack De headwaters downstream to mouth. In addition to the wild trout streams, and reservoirs which meet certain water qu ality standards to support stocked trout. Game Typical game found in Clearfield County includes, but is not limited to, ruffled grouse, white tailed deer, elk, groundhogs, bobcats, red foxes, beavers, wild turkeys, pheasants, skunks, owls, and red tail hawks. Certain species such as the bobcat, fisher, and barred owl require large contiguous forested areas that support the habitat nec viable populations. For example, the bobcat requires 125,000 - 319 on mature forest for nesting habitat and require a high degree of Fish & Game contiguous forested area that encompass several counties and is one of the largest cont forest community is important not only to migratory birds. When forests are fragmented or developed, thes management plan includes maintainin 2006 Update bitat supports asses portions of f sited birds can be ing Office. itats by municipalityitats by ue herons, northern shes,

utstanding value to bird on lines average about

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______, located in Union Township, is surface water. ity water distribution system for their water

rving as the main source for its drinking water. water. However, one of the largest sources of the homes in the County rely on private wells ly during severe drought conditions have suppliers portant bird area (IBA) whose ha A more comprehensive listing o from leaky aging distributi 12 ut the County and are found in some domestic

Clear www.paconserve.org or at the County Plann ecies such as bald & golden eagles, great bl

has been identified as an im flycatchers, eastern phoebes, bluebirds, hermit thru and rose breasted grosbeaks. is part of a global network of places recognized for their o

the important birding areas map of Clearfield County). the important birding areas map of Clearfield County). General Water Description

Most of the water supply for Clearfield County comes from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River watershed with the watershed’s ground water se Wells are the most commonly used conduit for ground Approximately 72 of the County relies on a commun % supply. Average rainfall is 42 inches per year. On experienced water quantity issues. Water losses 31%. Iron sulfite and iron pyrite are found througho supply for the greater DuBois area, the DuBois Reservoir This inventory is available on -line at

wells making them too acidic. Approximately 20% fied in the Quehanna Wild Area include sp

RESOURCES

for their water supply. map sections of the Appendices to view (Please see A complete natural heritage inventory for Clearfield County was completed in 2004 and contains significant plant and animal hab including recommended management strategies.

conservation. Birds that have been identi PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES One such important location for migratory and forest dwelling bi rds in Clearfield County is the Quehanna Wild Area which encomp Girard, Covington, and Karthaus Townships. The Quehanna Wild Area many neotropical migratory birds. As an important birding area, it cedar waxwings, black & white warblers, ovenbirds, indigo buntings WATER Water Supply found at the PA Audubon Society’s web site. grosbeak, barred owls, whip-poor-wills, eastern wood-pewees, least

loss reported 2006 Update f a county wide tion, water supply uBois area solely tailed study, which an for their supply. losses within their future. ation of alternate of the Susquehanna waters. This ntinue. A concern for A concernntinue. be noted, however, that is expected to utilize awals due to the fact upply. This supply which cipal

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

13 ly on this drinking water s to expand their services in the foreseeable future. It should y quantity and quality issues. This de waste coal burning power plant ed information for use in development o

Clear individualized water supply protection pl Basin Commission may restrict future withdr

e Susquehanna River Basin for the DuBois area. The greater D The maximum water loss goal recommended is 20%. The highest is difficult when land use controls lie within the local muni owth has occurred and it is expected that this growth will co d realize addition water savings if they corrected existing water was reported by suppliers as only being an issue during ey have adequate supplies for the Already in the works is a large

the water service areas map of Clearfield County).

water supply plan to address both water suppl

well as a component on how to prepare an ver Basin. At the time of the writing of this plan Sandy Township had begun explor

apping component whereas the suppliers provid cluded educational information for both the supplier and homeowners on water conserva per day from the Susquehanna River Basin. ly susceptible to contamination due to having Interstate 80 crossing through its head ain restrictions of the Susquehanna River otection plans on a county level t influence those predictions.

development in this watershed is that cert serves a large population base, is extreme northwestern portion of the County is where the majority of our gr entailed a water supplier survey, unveiled that water quantity an average of 4.4 million gallons of water PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Water Supply In 2004, the County developed a countywide Another point brought out by the study was water withdraws from th located in Union Townsh ip.relies upon the Anderson Creek Reservoir This reservoir is supplied by Anderson Creek, a tributary River. A majority of the Clearfield County residents including some residents in Jefferson County re The water supplier survey also included a m waste service area map. These suppliers were also asked as for information to where they plan Implementation of water supply pr Water Supply systems. The average water loss per system was reported at 31 %. for any one system was 61%. water supplies. protection and infrastructure maintenance as extreme periods of drought. Many those suppliers also woul extreme periods As for future water quantity needs, suppliers indicated that th that many water users are within the Ohio Ri the Appendices to view (Please see page section of Another important component of the plan in future large-scale projects migh 2006 Update er owns the lands e proactive and ant tool for developers

rivers, in areas where he protection of such not widely used by our for replacement of water re demands of our vernment, the water h is available at the pplies is commercial to develop individual water n a floodplain. Limited and that lawful activities is work has been done through

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

it is imperative that we b 14 t when land use controls are the importance they play in t esses such as nutrient cycling, water filtration and flood e County many of which is on state owned located l extraction, which also provide ion that may also impact water su fficials, and private landowners

of these settings provides different habitat values for native of these settings provides different habitat Clear s are protected simply because the suppli within the water supply plan itself, whic

on protection of water supplies, protection plans can be difficul d their role in ecological proc d in the northern portion of th Statutes that regulate minera supply plan is consistent with state water planning initiatives iative was listed as a top priority in this plan. Some of th vities. Another type of operat cipal governments become aware of

life and property can be significant if development occurs withi our water suppliers, municipal o suppliers, municipal our water can provide safe, adequate drinking water supplies to meet the futu an to best protect such precious water supplies. the important wetlands map of Clearfield County). ter suppliers themselves.

ound and in beaver impounded areas. Each ay a significant role by providing directrole by providinga significant ion anday guidance to the local municipal go re conducted a few years back. Some supplie unty wetlands occur naturally at the headwaters of streams, in the floodplains of streams and y impact water supply sources.

ll as at office of the wa

mitigation. Most notable wetlands in Clearfield County are locate lands. supplies. The County planning office can pl PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES government's jurisdiction. Therefore it is imperative that muni supplier and private property owners in addressing a pl While the County’s water supply plan provided some general guidance identify specific source protection plans to assure that we County planning office as we Wetlands In the landscape of Clearfield Co Wetlands are important for their habitat value to many species an map section of the Appendices to view (Please see Floodplains Floodplains are the lands adjacent streams subject to periodic flooding. Understanding where floodplains are located is import since the risks associated with flooding are so high. Loss of Wetlands & Floodplains County’s residents and businesses. Implementation of water supply around the source. It should be noted that the County’s water such as extraction of minerals ma supplies that are affected by such activities govern these acti agriculture production. Additional information on county water supplies can be found groundwater intercepts the surface of the gr local municipalities. The County will focus on, working with supply protection plans for those sources most at risk. This init the DEP’s water risk assessments, which we biodiversity. this plan was

2006 Update s left. A few of them an was a flood ally in the treatment Lick, the East Branch also home to rare River Basin. ogues Harbor, Upper

The main purpose of Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

value and high quality stream 15 hazards. One outcome of the pl all drain into the Susquehanna rsheds, which include the Sandy

rd Mitigation plan.

Clear ps are focused on restoration efforts parti lineation. Approximately 17 various watershed groups exist lineation. Approximately 17 various watershed map of Clearfield County.) ns are adhered to. Floodplain habitats are of Clearfield County.)

of Clearfield County.) do still have a few exceptional l Protection as being unsuitable for mining. Those include R unty. Only three of those wate Basin, whereas the other eleven age due to natural and man-made

e exceptional value streams value streams e exceptional the impaired streams map of Clearfield County.) the impaired ency oversaw the drafting of a County Haza

view the flood risk map view the watersheds map of Clearfield County.) view the floodplain map ty watersheds. A majority of these grou

floodplains if certain design specificatio

ell, which prefers moist woods and meadows. l efforts have been based on watershed de

of the Mahoning and the Mahoning, all drain into the Ohio River have obtained official status from the Department of Environmenta Little Muddy Run, Moose & Montgomery Creeks, and Gose Run. map section of the Appendices to view th (Please see plant species, such as the Eastern Featherb PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES types of development are allowable in some map section of the Appendices to (Please see In 2003, the County’s Emergency Management Ag to identify and assess the risk of life, injury and property dam map section of the Appendices to (Please see INVENTORY WATERSHED There are a total of fourteen watersheds located in Clearfield Co map section of the Appendices to (Please see Over the last decade many multi-municipa whose efforts are geared upon improving coun of acid mine drainage impaired streams. map section of the Appendices to view (Please see Although there are many impaired streams located in our county we Watershed Inventory vulnerability assessment map, which identifies facilities, and ranks them for their vulnerability to flooding. pa.us) which eed to improve eed to improve cepts and design can also 2006 Update habitats, s necessary to s necessary itage Inventory. This n places. Those with

municipal desire to special ls are at the discretion of ts and for comprehensive munities, rare and unique encourages development on of how those resources

Chapter 5 property damage and m water management i field County Comprehensive Plan ______

16 in Pennsylvania. Due to the increased n t the local natural assets. dimentation, causing to limited funding and the lack of local Clear ter management. Stor a tool for informed and responsible decision-making. Each the property value for developer. ory can be used in reviewing various projec watersheds have storm water management plans i

water runoff management, this manual provides the planning con re developers spend thousands of dollars on project design. It regulations are needed to protec

utilizing best management practices (BMPs)

t which can lead to flooding, erosion & se gning, reviewing, reviewing, nts, planners, land developers, contracto rs, and others involved with planning, desi gning, ty is the fact that have identified their natural resources such as riparian areas, nances, such plans have been limited.

Western PA Conservancy in development of Clearfield County's first ever Natural Her ly occurs on a watershed basis is storm wa d forest buffers that ultimately increase those resources, however can be used as onal living resources in the County. High quality landscapes, exemplary natural com cal government, and developers. The invent n contamination. So far only three of our County

compensate for the impacts of new developmen municipality in Clearfield County received a co py in which to use in local planning and decision-making. Since land use contro local governments it is their prerogative whether or not local The Department of Environmental Protection has a Storm Water Best Management Practices Manual available on-line (www.dep.state. provides guidance for storm water management water quality and protect water resources through improved storm standards to guide local and state governme approving, and constructing land development projects in meeting those needs. inventory is a unique listing of the excepti PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Another multi-municipal activity that common contribute to non-point pollutio such plans include Sandy of the Lick Creek, East Mahoning and Chest Creek. Branch Due enact resultant storm water management ordi NATURAL DIVERSITY INVENTORY In 2004, Clearfield County, worked with the It is an important tool to planners, lo One common theme in the success of a communi contiguous forested tracts and scenic views. Recognizing what is worth protecting is the first step followed by a plan of acti would be maximized for the benefit of the community. Natural Diversity Inventory An inventory does not confer protection of species and general habitat diversity were all considered. planning purposes. It can prevent potential conflicts long befo that incorporate green space, wetlands an leading nd

2006 Update entory. The in turn increases the

lains. d County. urism being the 2

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

17

recreational opportunities, which

that sustained its residents over the past few decades and if the Clearfield County Natural Heritage Inv Clear Osprey Bog sedge Common Name Allegheny plum Hairy rock-cress Great blue heron Timber Rattlesnake Eastern featherbell Highbush cranberry g a new economic niche. Yellow-fingered orchid Northern long eared bat Appalachian gametophyte

a healthy lifestyle by providing on our undisturbed contiguous forestlands, wetlands and floodp ecies of special concern, which was found to exist in Clearfiel It’s these natural resources

tegies, by municipality, can be found in opportunity exists for growin

Plants Animals Plants and Animals of Special Concern in Clearfield County Arabis hirsuta Ardea herodias Scientific Name Crotalus horridus horridus Crotalus Pandion halieetus Carex paupercula Viburnum trilobum Platanthera ciliaris Platanthera Documented in the PA Natural Diversity Inventory database since 1960 Prunus allegheniensis Myotis septentrionalis Vittaria appalachiana Sentanthium gramineum

quality of life County residents. Another benefit is economy it supports. With to such assets, the tourism & recreation industry in PA, combined with nature tourism, an Many of the significant plants and species identified were found PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES One of Clearfield County’s best assets is it natural resources. managed properly can continue to do so. Open space promotes Natural Diversity Inventory Specific recommendations and management stra The following is a table, which outlines the plant and animal sp inventory is available at either the County Planning office or online at www.paconserve.org. rized vehicles.

2006 Update red geologist omic one. al areas to wider ir location and possible, but A greenway is a aths and trails valued

ry realistic in the andtrails include water , and can be land- or cant geologic hazard. been identified as having natural beauty and qualitynatural beauty e effects.

loped by a registe Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

odate motorized and non-moto 18 ence, waste disposal sites should be considered

a safety standpoint but also from an econ Clear d recommendations deve t of landslide-prone areas. This is not ve rporate both public and private property cilities can be high Clearfield County has ic byways that may accomm

routes, which, in turn, creates travel delays and other sid holes, earthquakes, mine subsid , or they may follow stream corridors, shorelines, or wetlands, of earth materials down a slope. Landsliding is also a signifi A definition of a greenway as provided by the DCNR follows. ic development opportunities.

tly in scale, from narrow ribbons of green that run through urban, suburban, and rur recreational corridors or scen to keep construction and development ou

eology is extremely important not just from d developers should heed the conclusions an cultural and scenic features. They can inco ion and design of specially engineered fa for environmental protection and are not designed for human passage. Greenways differ in the mmunities, and stimulate econom

water-based. They may follow old railways, canals, or ridge tops for non-motorized craft. Some greenways are function, but overall, a greenway will protect natural, cultural,and scenic resources, provide recreational benefits, enhance of life in neighborhoods and co corridor of open space. Greenways vary grea for its natural beauty, recreational attributes and environmental significance. modern world, so the next best way is to be aware of the hazards and prepare for them. Safe construction in landslide areas is Others function almost exclusively corridors that incorporate diverse natural, This network of infrastructure is often referred to as greenways. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY INFRASTRUCTURE GREEN Green infrastructure can be thought of as both public and private lands such as parks, greenways, river and stream corridors, p the green infrastructure map for Clearfield County.) (Please see map section of the Appendices to view NATURAL / SPECIAL HAZARD AREAS Land-use planning based on environmental g Natural and man-made hazards such as landslides, rock falls, sink before and during construction. Engineers an particularly in areas where known hazards are known to exist. Green Infrastructure Landslides Landsliding is a natural geologic process involving the movement Landslides cause damage to utilities, buildings, and transportation additional costs of detailed site investigat a high to moderate landslide susceptibility. The easiest way to avoid landslide hazards is 2006 Update or site selection. mportant that the monwealth, and

earfield County there of underground mining, unty. l movement. Subsidence bonate bedrock. Clearfield

Chapter 5

field County Comprehensive Plan ______

19 rthquakes do occur in our com with mine subsidence. Therefore it is i

Clear ock. Subsidence can also occur as a result no need for concern when it comes to naturally occurring rdous subsidence areas. Developers should consult with the s of Pennsylvania; areas underlain by car to insure that precautions are taken prior building

mines prior to development. vement of surface material; it involves little or no horizonta hquake activity. Nevertheless, ea e landslide loss potential map for Clearfield County.)

lly occurring sinkholes we do have an issue

workings be accurately known that sinkholes occur only in certain part emical weathering of certain types of bedr ed with carbonate is bedrock therefore there tion for location of underground tions may then be made in these potentially haza

Pennsylvania have epicenters located outside our borders. may be subject to the effects of earthquakes that Fortunately for Cl are no such epicenters located within our bo rders. The closest epicenter being located in the southeastern corner of Centre Co occurs naturally due to the physical and ch excessive pumping of groundwater, or subsurface erosion due to the failure of existing utility lines. sinkholes. sinkholes. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and NATURAL RESOURCES Earthquakes Compared to other states, Pennsylvania is relatively free of eart Sinkholes A sinkhole is a subsidence feature. Subsidence is the downward mo Mine Subsidence While we may not have to worry about natura locations and depth of subsurface coal mine proper modifica Construction with (Please see map section of the Appendices to view th Natural & Special Hazards Case histories of sinkhole occurrence reveal County is fortunate that it is not underlin Department of Environmental Protec