EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Highlights Water Quality Improvements Across State College, Harrisburg

PHILADELPHIA (March 17, 2026) - EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey completed a multi-day trip in Pennsylvania across Lancaster, Dauphin, and Centre counties to view, tour, and discuss water quality projects, research, and infrastructure.  

“Our visits underscored a simple truth: collaboration works—and Pennsylvania communities are proving it with cleaner streams, healthier habitats, and resilient infrastructure,” said Van Blarcom-Lackey, a Pennsylvania native. “I’m grateful to our Pennsylvania partners, conservation districts, local governments, universities, and community leaders for their continued collaboration. Together, we’re safeguarding the environment for families today and for generations to come.” 

Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey began her trip in Lancaster County to visit the Blue Green Connector Project, where she was joined by EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), Lancaster County Conservation District, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, Lancaster Clean Water Partners, the Steiman Foundation, Little Conestoga River Foundation, and Franklin and Marshall College. 

The tour focused on the environmental and economic benefits of the project, the importance of partnership, and the continuous monitoring that will ensure effectiveness and responsible funding.  

In Centre County, Van Blarcom-Lackey visited Spring Creek in Bellefonte Nature Park with PFBC to tour an on-the-ground stream restoration project funded through an EPA Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. The project includes habitat restoration and enhancements to a high-density wild brown trout fishery. This area relies on pristine habitat conditions in Spring Creek to maintain its national reputation as a fly-fishing destination and continue the flow of tourism dollars to the local economy. 

While still in Centre County, EPA participated in two field visits showcasing practical BMPs and water‑quality science. The first stop was a demonstration and research site that highlighted the benefits to local landowners of improvements to washed out dirt and gravel roads and farm lanes. The second stop focused on Halfmoon Creek, where pesticide research and EPA‑funded stream restoration are advancing habitat recovery and cleaner water. 

During a tour of Capital Region Water, EPA reviewed advanced wastewater treatment upgrades and an energy‑recovery project that turns biogas into renewable natural gas for local use—offering an up‑close look at how utilities protect communities and waterways. 

The trip also included several meetings and discussions with federal, state, and local governments, academia, and partners all focused on the shared goal of improving local water quality.  

To learn more about EPA activity throughout the Mid-Atlantic, visit our regional website or follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook.