Proposed PAG-01 Changes Could Streamline Pennsylvania Development: What Developers Need to Know
Good News on Stormwater Permitting, and a Quick Ask
Pennsylvania DEP is reissuing the PAG-01 General Permit, the NPDES permit that covers stormwater for small construction projects (earth disturbance under five acres). This is the permit behind much of our region’s infill and redevelopment work, and the draft is a genuine step forward for the development community. These proposals are a draft and not yet finalized.
First, a thank you. Our State Advocacy Committee worked through the full draft package and DEP’s Fact Sheet to pinpoint what changed and what it means for members. That work is why we can move quickly and speak with one voice.
What’s improving – The draft makes several changes CREDA Pittsburgh supports:
- A new municipal-approval option (PCSM Alternative 3) gives you a flexible, site-specific path to meet post-construction stormwater requirements.
- Contaminated-site threshold aligned with PAG-02. Non-residential projects are now measured against non-residential cleanup standards, opening more infill and previously developed sites to streamlined coverage instead of a slower individual permit.
- The same-parcel restriction is gone, which helps phased and assembled projects.
- Combined-sewer and MS4 areas can now qualify with written consent rather than being shut out.
- Redundant co-permittee paperwork is eliminated.
Bottom line: the permit that covers most small development is becoming easier to use, without giving up water quality protections.
Your voice matters here: How to Comment on Pennsylvania’s Draft PAG-01 Permit.
DEP is taking public comment on the draft. This is the moment to reinforce what is working and flag anything that would make it better in practice. You can comment two ways:
- 1. Directly to DEP through the eComment system at dep.pa.gov/CWPublicNotice (or by email to ecomment@pa.gov). Deadline: September 21st, 2026.
- 2. Through CREDA. Send your comments to us by September 21st, 10:00am and we will consider adding them to CREDA Pittsburgh’s official comment letter, so your perspective carries the weight of the full chapter.
Even a few sentences from your project experience helps. If a change would save you time, money, or a scheduling headache, tell us.
What happens next
The current permit expires February 28, 2027, and the reissued permit takes effect March 1, 2027. We will keep you posted as DEP finalizes it.
Thank you again to our State Advocacy Committee, and to every member who takes a few minutes to weigh in. This is exactly the kind of practical, pro-development win that our collective voice makes possible.
Questions or comments for the chapter? Contact tfrank@credapgh.com.