Environmental Grant Program Pennsylvania American Water Awards Nine Environmental Grants in 2009In 2009, nine watershed initiatives across the state received funding through Pennsylvania American Water's Environmental Grant Program. The recipients received a share of grant funds totaling approximately $33,000, which the company has earmarked for community projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds. A panel of judges selected the below winners from more than 40 grant applications, which were evaluated on such criteria as environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability. 2009 Environmental Grant Program WinnersThe following organizations received grants from Pennsylvania American Water: Cumberland County Recycling & Waste Authority
The grant will support the pharmaceutical collection and disposal event for Cumberland County residents. The project offers an environmentally friendly disposal alternative for unwanted and expired medications commonly found in the home. The pharmaceuticals collected during the event will be destroyed by incineration. In addition to providing environmentally sound disposal of pharmaceuticals, the initiative will ensure full compliance with federal and state laws while avoiding illegal diversion of the medications. The exact date and location of the collection will be announced. Everhart Museum, Lackawanna County
The grant will initiate an educational program for school children to provide an environmental science experience expanding beyond the classroom, with hands-on study at the museum and nearby Nay Aug Park. The program, called SPARCS (Science, Park, Art & Responsibility for Children at School), will develop educational units aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards of Education on the following topics: Stream Biodiversity, Water Well-being, Horticulture and Personal Impact Through Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. Students pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will work closely with their classroom teacher, museum educators and guest presenters through each unit of study, culminating with a science fair and exhibit. California University of Pennsylvania, Washington County
The funding will support baseline research of the waters of the Pike Run watershed from which to build future educational programs, service projects and research for maintaining the health of the watershed. In addition to studying water quality of the stream and its tributaries, the project includes integrating the data analysis into students’ coursework and exams in the university’s College of Science and Technology. The initiative also intends to foster relationships with community organizers and interested residents, with the goal of reforming an active watershed protection group under the previous Pike Run Watershed Association name. Montgomery County Department of Parks & Heritage Services
The funding will support a demonstration project known as “Mowing to Meadows” in Norristown Farm Park to protect the Stony Creek watershed. By converting an abandoned five-acre ball field that lies in the floodplain into a naturalized meadow, the initiative will deliver significant stormwater management benefits. These benefits include improved watershed and biodiversity, as well as reduced greenhouse gases from less-frequent mowing. The conversion of site, which calls for planting native vegetation and removing invasive plant species, will not only improve its recreational and habitat value but also serve as a model to municipal parks in responsible land stewardship. Abrahams Creek Watershed Association, Luzerne County
With the funding, the organization will expand efforts to improve water quality, control runoff and prevent creek degradation by restoring riparian buffers along several tributaries within the Abrahams Creek watershed. The project also includes continuing the group’s newsletter series to help educate local residents about stormwater management, pollution control and issues related to improving the health of the creek. The Abrahams Creek initiative brings together numerous partners, including Wyoming and West Wyoming boroughs, Luzerne Conservation District, Wyoming Area Environmental Club and Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension. South Park Township, Allegheny County
Successful stream clean-up efforts launched nearly five years ago prompted township officials to hold bi-annual clean-ups of the community’s creek beds and banks. The grant will provide the tools to be used by volunteers performing the fall 2009 clean-up along the Piney Fork and Peters Creeks, as well as help fund the tire and trash disposal. Community partners include the Tri-Community Anglers Association, Montour Trail Council, Peters Creek Watershed Association and local scouting troops. Berks County Solid Waste Authority
The agency is expanding its pharmaceutical collection and disposal activities to keep over-the-counter and prescription drugs from finding their way into the region’s water supply. The authority’s previous event in March 2009 collected more than 500 pounds of unwanted and expired medications. With the grant, the project will provide increased public education about the importance of properly disposing of pharmaceutical products. The event will be held on October 24, 2009 in Exeter Township. Borough of Pen Argyl, Northampton County
With the grant, the borough will lead volunteers in placing storm drain markers on approximately 280 stormwater basins. The project will help alert the public that urban stormwater and runoff pollution are serious threats to the health of creeks and rivers that supply drinking water. Because of the connection between storm drains and local waterways, the project’s objective is to encourage residents to properly dispose of pollutants, such as used motor oils, fertilizers and pesticides, and prevent them from being carried through storm drains into surface water sources. Volunteers from the local Minsi Trail’s Boy Scout Venture Crew 66 will assist in the storm drain markings. Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County
The funding will assist volunteer efforts to apply permanent markers to approximately 600 storm drains to help discourage residents from dumping illicit materials into storm sewers. The township’s Environmental Advisory Council is partnering with Yardley Borough and local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to conduct the storm drain marking in the Brock Creek, Buck Creek and Delaware River watersheds. In addition, the volunteers will distribute 2,000 educational tip cards to area households to raise awareness that dumping paint, antifreeze and used motor oils into storm drains is illegal and harmful to the environment. Pennsylvania American Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, which initiated the Environmental Grant Program in 2005 in Pennsylvania to support projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Since then, American Water has expanded the annual program to 13 states across the nation.For more information on what was required for this year's program: For more information about the program, contact Terry Maenza at 610-670-7789 or terry.maenza@amwater.com. Take a Look at our Past Winners |
