Southwestern Pennsylvania is facing issues related to changes in land use, aging infrastructure, and degraded landscapes from past industrialization and mining. However, the region is making progress through farmland preservation programs, partnerships to address stormwater compliance, and efforts to improve soil health and convert vacant lands into green spaces.

1. Jonathan Burgess
Programs and Policy Director –ACCD, Pittsburgh,
PA
Pittsburgh and SW PA Intro
SWCS Conference, July 2019

4. Issues in our Region
• Changes in land use/development/extraction
• Increased rainfall amounts and event intensity
• Aging infrastructure and combined sewer
overflow (CSO) issues. MS4 compliance.
• Degraded landscapes due to industrialization,
intensive agriculture, and mining
• Blight and soil contamination

5. Potential and Progress
• PA has a nation-leading farmland preservation
program. Land Trusts are ensuring protection
of non-ag lands.
• Partnerships are being formed to address
MS4 compliance and storm water issues
• Efforts to improve soil health management
and conservation practices are succeeding
• Vacant lands are being converted into parks,
urban farms, gardens and green infrastructure

13. Jonathan Burgess
(412) 291-8017
jburgess@accdpa.org
www.accdpa.org