RETTEW Water Resources Expert Provides Input into State Water Plan

Lancaster, Pa. – Governor Edward G. Rendell recently appointed Robert E. Edwards, PG, of RETTEW, a multidiscipline engineering, planning, land development, environmental consulting and surveying firm, to serve as a member of the Lower Susquehanna Basin Regional Water Resources Committee. The committee is one of six in the commonwealth created to provide recommendations to the Statewide Water Resources Committee for updating the State Water Plan by the end of 2008, as mandated by Act 220 of 2002. 

“Managing Pennsylvania’s water resources is critical to the commonwealth’s future, and Bob’s professional experience in water resource management and personal dedication to his profession will serve the committee well,” said Mark P. Lauriello, PE, president, RETTEW. “I congratulate Bob on his appointment and thank Governor Rendell for recognizing Bob’s expertise.”

Regional committee members include a broad representation of business and industry professionals, agricultural and environmental experts and members of state and local government. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council nominated Edwards to serve on the regional committee as the environmental representative.

In addition to working with the statewide committee to develop themes, goals and recommended implementation strategies to guide water resources development and use in the future, Edwards’ participation in the regional committee also involves designating and recommending to the statewide committee and DEP Secretary McGinty critical water planning areas (CWPAs), or areas where water demand exceeds or is projected to exceed water supply. Regional committee members are presently working to identify CWPAs in the Lower Susquehanna Basin Region. Next the statewide committee will prioritize CWPAs for the development of critical area resource plans (CARPs). The plans will evaluate water availability, assess water quality and water quantity issues and identify existing and potential adverse impacts on water resources uses.

“Being a committee member allows me and other concerned stakeholders to play a role in helping Pennsylvania proactively manage its water resources,” said Edwards. “I’m honored to be a part of that collaborative process.”

With more than 20 years of experience in land and water resource investigations, Edwards serves as a project geologist at RETTEW and one of the firm’s resident water resources management experts. He is responsible for managing and overseeing the collection, analysis and interpretation of water quality, water quantity, geologic and hydrologic data. Edwards also assists the firm with expanding its water resources services by providing water resources investigation, planning and management. He works with a broad range of clients, including water authorities, watershed associations, municipalities and counties who are challenged with finding efficient and cost-effective solutions to address their water resource concerns. He also works with municipalities to create or update comprehensive water resource management plans while encouraging smart growth principles and environmental sustainability.

A licensed professional geologist (PG), Edwards was previously employed at the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), where he served in the positions of environmental specialist, geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator and special projects manager. His experience also includes report preparation for environmental investigations and recommended conservation options or remedial action for environmental compliance violations.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in earth science/geoscience from Penn State University and a master’s degree in geo-environmental studies from Shippensburg University, Edwards has served on several technical workgroups and advisory committees, including the Chesapeake Bay Program’s (CBP) monitoring subcommittee, CBP data analysis workgroup, CBP nontidal tributary workgroup, SRBC sediment task force and USDA wetlands task force. He is a respected professional among federal, state and local water resource management agencies.

Edwards is an active member of the Lower Allen Township Sewer Authority, the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association and is an executive board member of the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association. He resides in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pa. 

About RETTEW
Established in 1969, RETTEW is a full-service firm providing engineering, land development, planning, surveying and environmental consulting services. With 250 employees, RETTEW has offices located in Camp Hill, Chambersburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster, Nazareth, and Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; and Liberty and Margaretville, N.Y.

For more information on any of RETTEW’s services, please call 1-800-RETTEW-5 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For information about the State Water Plan and Act 220, visit DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, click on the “Water Topics” link located across the top navigation bar and choose Act 220 (State Water Planning) in the drop-down menu.