Overview: The Center for Sustainable Communities undertook the Pennypack Creek Watershed Study to help alleviate flooding and pollution in a 12-municipality area that encompasses parts of Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks counties. The study was funded predominantly by a $330,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation, a $192,500 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and a $100,000 from the participating municipalities.

The Center’s study provided an updated set of floodplain maps for the watershed. University experts also conducted water-quality monitoring in addition to providing municipal officials with better technical information to implement open space and stream corridor protection plans. Researchers have also evaluated existing stormwater facilities to identify modifications that could help mitigate flooding problems.

The difference between FEMA and new floodplain boundaries

3-D visualization of 100 year floodplains

Related Project:
Act167 Plan

Executive Summary

Full Report

Appendices
Appendix A: Hydrologic Modeling Methodology
Appendix B: Water Quality Studies
Appendix C: Field Observations
Appendix D: Open Space and Trail Recommendations
Appendix E: Municipal Floodplain Ordinances Summary Table
Appendix F: Municipal Stormwater Ordinances Summary Table
Appendix G: Model Stormwater Management Ordinance

The Philadelphia Inquirer has published an interactive website showing the existing and few floodplain maps in the Pennypack Creek Watershed. Please follow this link to visit the Enquirer site.

http://inquirer.philly.com/graphics/pennypack_zoom/default.asp

HEC-RAS Output