Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) Process Webinar Series

Susquehanna River Basin Commission


Webinar Dates: January 27th, February 24th, March 24th, 2022 1pm

Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) Process Webinar Series

If you have a SRBC renewal due within the next 5-7 years, or have a client that does, you need to learn about the new Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) policy! To learn about the new AHE, join SRBC staff for this three-part webinar series that will provide in-depth instructions and guidance regarding the new AHE Policy.

The AHE, which has recently replaced the SRBC’s Aquifer Test Plan Waiver practice, is the first step of a two-step process for submitting a groundwater renewal application to the SRBC. Special focus will be provided on how this new streamlined, risk-based approach utilizes existing data and information to evaluate a withdrawal’s sustainability, impacts to other users, and impacts to the environment.

Through this series of webinars, SRBC staff will provide guidance to:
  • Accurately prepare an AHE.
  • Effectively utilize and evaluate existing site-specific information during the risk-based review process.
  • Identify and fill data gaps.
  • Assess hydrogeologic setting.
  • Consider, evaluate, and assess the three Principal Risk Factors:
    • Sustainability
    • Impacts to Other Users
    • Impacts to the Environment
  • Develop an Action Plan similar to Voluntary Action Plans (VAPs).

You can register for Parts 1, 2, or 3 individually, in combination, or the entire series during the open registration period. Register here!

Part 1 – Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) Process/ Impacts to Other Users
Thursday, January 27th, 2022 (1:00 - 2:00 pm)

Learn the fundamentals of the AHE policy and why it will improve the renewal process for you.

The first webinar will:

  • Introduce the new AHE policy;
  • Provide the foundations on which the AHE was built;
  • Provide an overview of the three principal risk factors;
  • Identify common data gaps; and
  • Begin our in-depth discussion of the principal risk factors, starting with impacts to other users.

Registration has closed.

Webinar Materials

Part 2 – AHE Process: Evaluating Sustainability and Impacts to the Environment
Thursday, February 24th, 2022 (1:00 - 2:00 pm)

The two remaining risk factors, sustainability and impacts to the environment, are normally the most difficult to assess and resolve. You need to know if your source is reliable at the requested rate and we need to know what environmental resources may be impacted by the withdrawal.

The second webinar will:

  • Describe how the SRBC evaluates sustainability;
    • Demonstrate how groundwater availability analyses, historical testing data, and operations data are used to evaluate sustainability;
    • Identify common data gaps, as well as potential methods to fill data gaps
  • Describe how environmental assessments should be completed to identify environmental resources near your project;
    • Review the coordination process with other agencies;
    • Inform how the results of the environmental assessments are used to guide additional work, as needed.

Registration has closed.

Webinar Materials

Part 3 – AHE Process: Commission Developed Voluntary Action Plans and AHE Forms
Thursday, March 24th, 2022 (1:00 - 2:30 pm)

Not sure of the process or how to complete the AHE form? Want to hear about a few examples from Voluntary Action Plans (VAPs) that the SRBC has prepared? If yes, this final webinar is for you!

The third and final webinar will:

  • Provide guidance on the timing of submitting an AHE;
  • Describe how to complete the new online AHE form and address commonly encountered problems;
  • Describe the SRBC’s VAP screening review and evaluation process
  • Provide specific examples from past PWSAP VAPs

Registration has closed.

Webinar Materials

For more information regarding this PWSAP Webinar Series, please contact Dave Haklar at (717) 238-0423 ext. 1108, Mike Appleby, P.G. at (717) 238-0423 ext. 1208, or PWSAP@srbc.net. For additional information or to register for the webinar series, please visit the links at the top of this page.