Human & Natural Assets

Water provides numerous benefits, but under certain circumstances, it can become a threat to both ecosystems and communities. Through analysis, seven components are identified and addressed that influence the quality as well as the quantity of water entering Tioga County hydrological system.

Town Centers

Floods pose the largest threat to infrastructure (i.e. homes, businesses, and industrial sites) which may in turn degrade water quality through pollution.

Wetlands, Lakes & Ponds

These bodies of water are critical to the function and quality of the hydrological system and water resources but are easily damaged by human influences such as agricultural runoff and industrial activity.

Fishing Hot Spots

One of the major recreational attractions of Tioga County is fishing. It is critical to maintain the quality of these aquatic habitats, especially of the sensitive Class “A” Trout streams, to enable future use of this valuable resource.

Grade ‘A’ Trout Streams

Tioga County has several trout streams used for recreational purposes. In order to continue fishing practices, these streams need to be maintained to ensure the persistence of trout habitats.

Core Forest

Forests provide several benefits to both social and environmental realms. They minimize surface runoff of contaminants, provide shade relief to nearby streams (stabilize water temperature), reduce erosion, offer recreational opportunities, minimize flooding, and create vital ecosystem habitats. As a result, core forest is identified as a valuable resource and mitigation tool for minimizing contaminant spills from natural gas drilling processes and agricultural runoff.

Scenic Rivers

The beauty of the Pennsylvania landscape is in part due to its scenic waterways. Tioga County has several state and local parks along rivers, which provide passive as well as active opportunities for people enjoy.

Impaired Streams

Water quality is essential to maintain hydrological dynamics as well as to preserve viable drinking water sources. Streams serve as a valuable water resource for not only recreational use but also for important ecosystem processes and therefore must be sustained for future use.

Pollutant Sources

Agricultural runoff from fertilizers and contaminants greatly impact water quality, local ecosystems, and the value of water resources.

Well Projections

Based on a 20 year projection, future Marcellus Shale well locations are identified within Tioga County.

Areas of Focus

The seven components of the landscape analyzed were compiled into a single map that identifies key areas within Tioga County where mitigation measures would be most beneficial.

Mitigation: Floodplains

Floodplains are areas of land adjacent to a stream or river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls and experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Buildings and infrastructure can experience damage if built within floodplains, and water can become polluted if exposed to contaminates during a flood.

Mitigation: Steep Slope

Steep slopes can be created by streams over vast periods of time as the movement of water gradually erodes away the surrounding landscape. Steep slopes increase the velocity of runoff, which in turn increases the likelihood that contaminants will reach the water before they can be filtered out by riparian buffers and soil. Well pads built at the top of steep slopes increases the risk of any runoff or spills entering nearby streams.