2007 Minutes

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Swatara Creek Watershed Association

December 26, 2007

A meeting of SCWA was called to order at 9:30AM at Sweet Arrow Lake clubhouse.  In attendance were:  Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, Harvey Bomberger, Denise Donmoyer, Corky and MaryAnn Hanzak, Lynn Johnson, Karen and Richard Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Gee Motter, and Jack Stouffer.

Wise Property:

An Arnold/Blouch motion passed to sign a DCNR contract, which will help to fund the purchase in the amount of $190,000 with Rivers Conservation funding from the Keystone Fund.    Our project manager will be Salyn Stover.  For a listing of all the grants that were funded, visit  www.dcnr.state.us . We are waiting on Fish and Boat who should award grants around April 2008.  A pre-application was submitted, and we participated in a phone conference.  The 33 acre site will compliment the goal of 15 acres of recreation for every 1000 residents in Lebanon County's new comprehensive plan.

Further, SCWA was informed that Vertex Environmental said the site is 8’ above the Swatara.  While the golf course is desirable because there are no mature trees, it may be cost prohibitive to move the dirt to use the site as a wetland bank.  Attendees asked if the dirt was topsoil that could be sold.  In its present state, the site floods a couple of times each year, but official wetlands must be wet “x” number of days per year.

Bordner cabin:

In response to our inquiry about the status of the (SCWA) request for approval to make improvements including installing electrical power in the cabin structure in Swatara State Park, we were told that “The cabin does not meet the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) criteria for an uncertified building. (SCWA) will need to prepare a full submission to L&I for review with a cc to our office. L&I will review the submission for all required elements and advise as to feasibility of requested building improvements.  The following link provides additional information about what will be required:  L&I: Building Codes Home Page
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/site/default.asp”  To recap, a call was placed to Mitch Hoffman who provided L&I exemption information for historic structures, but he was on vacation. Electricity is needed to accommodate required emergency exit lighting.  Therefore, to SCWA it seems logical to proceed with electric installation while we have volunteers who are willing to perform the task.  Further, Bethel Township provided a letter of compliance for the structure.

Mr. Motter has experience with and offered to create a horse ring for Swatara State Park, which could help to keep youth active.

Also, there was an inquiry whether or not the bank opposite the closed fossil pit under Route 81 (on the east side of Swatara Creek) could be opened for digging.

Water Trail:

Jonestown Mayor Kauffman provided a bid package for a boat launch on the Swatara Water Trail.  Bids received until 11:00 A.M. on January 22, 2008.

Chris Cleaver offered the services of the Red Horse Engineers at Fort Indiantown Gap to improve a launch.

Other:

U.S. Department of Energy decided to rehear the case against its decision to designate 52 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties as part of the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.                                                                                                                          

Penn National's modification to their existing permit was approved at a recent SRBC meeting.  Future plans may include expansion of the amount of water withdrawn.  Lebanon County residents are afraid their wells will go dry.  Susan Obleski was contacted to inquire about criteria for a public hearing.

Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Lebanon County The top three hazards identified in Lebanon County are flooding, tornados, and hurricanes/tropical storms.  Other hazards reviewed include civil disorder, dam failure, drought, earthquakes, fires, landslides, nuclear power plants, pandemics  Hazard Mitigation Plan

10th Anniversary Summit that is being planned. The South Central Assembly in cooperation with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services of the Pa Department of Community and Economic Development will offer a 2 day conference on Intergovernmental Cooperation for Municipalities and Intergovernmental Organizations January 31 to February 1, 2008 at Harrisburg Area Community College’s Wildwood Center. The Conference will focus on “Barriers, Bridges and Best Practices”

Syner Road Bridge repair contract awarded to Anskis.

An update on the iron Inwood Bridge sparked a discussion of reasons to keep the replacement on track:  extensive use by the Youth Camp; in addition to Monroe Valley Road Bridge flooding, so does the Lickdale and Jonestown bridges.  We need a bridge above flood level to allow evacuation and/or access by emergency personnel.  Completion would take place around 2010.

Karen Light stated that Ohio Wildlife will provide free CDs of bird calls and eight books on various wildlife.  Of course a donation is appreciated.  1-800-wildlife. 

Video was shown which was taken inside a bluebird house over a forty-day peropd of building a nest, laying and hatching eggs, and raising the young birds until they could leave the nest.  A $30 camera inside the bluebird box transmitted the images to a computer and video for viewing and copying.

Also shown was a loon ice rescue on Sweet Arrow Lake.  Apparently, loons don’t walk on land.  Built for swimming, their legs come out of their sides.  It takes approximately one-half mile of open water for a loon to take off in flight.  Tied to a rope on a pickup truck, over a two-hour period, two men used a John-boat, sledge hammer and hook to inch their way toward the bird, which was transported to open water.

November 28, 2007

Attendance: Harvey Bomberger, Dick & June Blouch, Betty Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Stephanie Harmon, Rugh Henderson, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, John Worrilow.

Business:

Lasky highlighted dedication of the Quittie Creek bridge by circulating newspaper articles of the event.  The bridge was named after Ray Swingholm.  Lasky said it took six years and two lawsuits to get the job done.

Bond:  Hoaster Gebhard requires forms be filled in, and will provide a minimum of $300,000 coverage.  There was a consensus to move ahead to obtain a bid.

Audit:  A motion by D Blouch/Stouffer passed to award the 2007 $1200 audit to Faren and Garcia.

Bordner Cabin

bulletDick & June report.  Appalachian Trail hikers visited the cabin while they visited in October.
bulletSwept out leaves on Sunday, November 25.  The large braided rug is gone.
bulletNo response from State concerning electric plans, which would accommodate security cameras.
bulletMailing address for Memorial Lake State Park?  Will follow up.
bulletNo report from Mayor George Kaufman on the foot bridge.
bulletVolunteer to craft and install mantle?  A 100-year old beam from Shelly Lodge at Camp Bashore was donated for this purpose.  The Conservation Corps and LCCTC were suggested as having the capacity to recreate the hand-hewn mantle.

Sojourn:  Talked to Bill and Jean Wertz.  Sent a CD of past garbage collected to Discovery Channel in Maryland and Dirty Jobs producer Craig Piligian in California.  Could not find addresses for cameraman Doug Glover, Dave Barsky or Gena McCarthy.  Our theme may be, "The Swatara, NOT dirty enough for Mick Rowe," which could be a compliment.

 

Wise Property:  No news from DCNR about current application or the Fish and Boat Commission about a formal application.

Water Trail--Jonestown Access:  Mayor Kaufman reports that bid specs will soon be available.

bulletLebanon County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies flooding as having both the highest primary and secondary impact on Lebanon County.  Power loss can leave citizens without heat for extended periods of time.  The transportation infrastructure of the County can be severely crippled by flooding events, and there are hazardous material spills.  Secondary effects cause extensive property damage and property loss from flooding.  Potential loss during a flood event could reach more than $1 billion.  The floodplain intersects approximately 14% of all County tax parcels.  The County has 29 repetitive loss properties in ten municipalities.  Ten do not carry insurance.  The value of these repetitive loss properties is $1.4 million.  One mitigation strategy can include voluntary property buy-outs.  Consideration of mitigation (remove fallen concrete and repair) of the Waterworks Bridge was requested.  On the other end of the spectrum, drought also can cause havoc on the Watershed.  The HMP will be posted to: http://www.lebanonema.org/lema/pgp/Hazard+Mitigation+Plan/default.aspx
bulletLebanon County Comprehensive Plan is due for review and passage on December 13 at a public hearing.  Posted at www.lebcounty.org .
bulletCenter for Land and Water strategic plan will be facilitated by Lebanon County.  $75 forwarded to Matt Royer to help match a DCNR grant awarded to Lebanon County.
bulletHenderson  raised a concern about the Risser Farm on Spring Creek where a developer outbid neighbors who wanted to buy the property.  Sewage expansion was denied, and there are penalties for rezoning agricultural land for 137 homes.
bulletDonmoyer stated that Simone Collins completed a reforestation plan for Sweet Arrow Lake.  Now, they need to locate trees to complete the plan. 
bulletConners reviewed the State Water Plan, which attempts to address water deficits through a formula:  Water balance +precipitation in –large withdrawals + discharges.  The information may prove beneficial in a severe drought.
bulletConner and Harmen reviewed the LOWV Wren project educating municipalities, authorities, and water suppliers about ground and surface water.  About 50 people attended.
bulletWorrilow stated that Coleman’s Park is selling 100 Frazier Furs for $20 each.  The trees are between 6-9’ tall.  William Coleman donated the trees
bulletPotted trees should be planted by Arbor Day, the last Friday of April. 
bulletEveryone agreed that conservation is extremely important to promote at this holiday season.  A gift suggestion includes giving LED lights and the curly florescent light bulbs to your family and friends for Christmas. 

Dates to Remember:

bulletNovember 29 through Sunday, December 2 there is a Festival of Trees at the LV Expo.  Hours are 10AM-6PM.  Light refreshments and entertainment are included in the $2 admission fee.
bulletDecember 9, 2PM, a hand-bell choir will perform at Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse.  Schuylkill County’s favorite beverage will be served—not Yuengling, Guers Iced Tea.  The theme this year is Bluebirds. 
bulletDecember 26, 2007- Next SCWA meeting at Sweet Arrow Lake clubhouse.  See you there at 9:30AM.  To carpool, meet at the Watershed office at 8:45AM.
bulletMay 3 & 4, 2008 Swatara Sojourn20th Anniversary of canoeing and cleaning up the Creek.
bulletJanuary 31 – February 1, 2008, South Central Assembly 10th Anniversary Summit:  Barriers, Bridges and Best Practices on the Road to Productive Collaboration at the Wildwood Conference Center, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
bulletMeetings to schedule:  Twin Grove Park/Highbridge Reservoir, new Water Treatment offices, Coleman Park tours.

October 31, 2008

At 9:30AM on October 31, 2008, a meeting of the Swatara Creek Watershed Association was called to order at headquarters.

In attendance were:  Bob Arnold, Richard and June Blouch, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Betty Conner, Steph Harmon, Karen Light, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, and John Worrilow.

Tom Embich reviewed the Dauphin County Phase II Act 167 storm water management plan.  Spring Creek, on the southwest end of Lebanon County, will be impacted at build-out.  Flooding issues may condemn homes.  HersheyPark is on Spring Creek, and may be negatively impacted too. Tom also pointed out that because preserved farmland is not pictured, provided zoning and build-out maps are misleading.

Tom also talked about a marbled or tiger salamander that he saw upstream of Yordy’s bridge.

Jo Ellen reviewed the County’s comprehensive plan, and encouraged everyone to read the plan found at www.lebcounty.org and comment.  Commissioners will vote to adopt the plan in December.

Pictures of repair of the Creamery Street Bridges leading to the Whitmoyer recreation area in Myerstown were shared.  It appeared that the bridge was built across a canal lock.

On a Worrilow/Stouffer motion, the board approved the purchase of a bond on the treasurer.  A competitive bid will be sought and the policy will be purchased from the company with the best price.

Cabin sitters Dick and June will perform their service on Halloween eve.

John was presented with a box of bacon.

While there was minimal activity, an update on the sojourn, Bordner cabin, and Union Canal Canoe property took place.

Betty promoted a Drinking Water Protection Workshop next Thursday. 

Stephanie was commended for a job well done with the Watershed Forum this past Saturday.  For next year’s forum, she is looking for a set of rooms near the Lancaster/Lebanon border.

For an upcoming meeting, members requested that we have breakfast at Twin Grove Park followed by a Highbridge reservoir tour.

Ann announced that the 72’ wooden Quittie Creek Park pedestrian bridge is coming to town on Thursday.

Carol Hickey was highlighted in the Central PA Business Journal.  Carol has completed numerous projects on the Union Canal Tunnel Park.

Denise invited everyone to Christmas at the Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse on 12/9.  A hand-bell choir will provide entertainment.  If you haven’t already been there, this is a wonderful cabin on the lake, and well worth a drive.  The club members decorate to House and Garden specks.  It’s absolutely beautiful.  Denise will check if SCWA can hold a December meeting there.

Denise and Karen also reported on their attendance at the two-day Wild Resource Conservation Symposium at the Gap.

Bob inquired if everything is final on Old State Road.  Karen thinks it is.

While she wasn’t in attendance, Jo Ellen praised intern Stephanie Blouch for not only shadowing but also pitching in at the Bordner cabin and Conservation District banquet.

A meeting and tour at Coleman Park will also be sought.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

September 26, 2007

Welcome and introductions:  Dick and June Blouch, Guest Stephanie Blouch from LVC (a biology sophomore), Betty and George Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Stephanie Harmon, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, John Worrilow.

Business:

Bordner Cabin day's Activities:

o       Measured length and width of drive and parking area

o       Sketched suggested route for underground electric and location of meter base.  (Must meet with DCNR representatives to be sure there are no endangered species in the path, then secure an engineer's seal and obtain a right of way.)

o       Measured length and width of rooms to recreate a floor plan.

o       Sketched and suggested location for emergency lighting, outlets & will contact a volunteer electriciaon to create a materials list.

o       Pulled weeds

A Worrilow/Blouch motion passed to pursue Historic designation for the Bordner cabin.

Project volunteers needed for Mantel and Railing

Maintenance-May receive help from Rick Pfleuger and Ed Harman’s Youth Advocate kids on weekends.

Wise Property:  No news on grant award from DCNR.  No guidelines from Fish and Boat for submission of grant.

A Worrilow/Lasky motion passed to invest $75 in the Susquehanna Center for Land and Water for a DCNR match to complete a plan.

A Gypsy Moth discussion took place.  Does spraying make the moths “stronger in the broken places?”

A Worrilow/Lasky motion passed to provide alternate nominations to the LCCD board:  Dick Blouch, Fritz Heilman, and Harvey Bomberger, which will help meet State requirements to have at least two nominations for each position. (Two of the three names that fit requirements for the open seats.)

Water Trail payment outstanding

Farm Preservation grid- While not a perfect scenario, if new development occurred on farmland, running a spreadsheet indicates we could run out of farmland to preserve before 2050.

Wikipedia:  Swatara Creek (nicknamed the "Swattie") is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, approximately 60 mi (97 km) long, in east central Pennsylvania in the United States.

It rises in the Appalachian Mountains in central Schuylkill County, north of the Sharp Mountain ridge, approximately 5 mi (8 km) west of Minersville. It then flows southwest in a winding course, passing south of Tremont, then cutting south through Second Mountain ridge. It passes through Swatara State Park then turns south to pass through Swatara Gap in the Blue Mountain ridge northwest of Lebanon. After emerging from the ridge it flows southwest, north of Hershey, past Hummelstown and joins the Susquehanna at Middletown. It receives Quittapahilla Creek from the west 3 mi (4.8 km) north of Palmyra.

The creek was a significant transportation route in the colonial period of North America up through the middle 19th century. The Union Canal, an early public works project conceived by William Penn in the 1690s and begun in 1792 to connect the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers, followed the lower course of the river below Quittapahilla Creek. The upper course above Quittapahilla Creek into the mountains provided the route of a feeder to the main canal, as well as providing a route to ship anthracite from the mountains to Philadelphia.

Ships  Two ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Swatara after the creek:

bulletThe first USS Swatara (1865) was a wooden, screw sloop, launched in 1865 and dismantled in 1872 to become the second ship of this name.
bulletThe second USS Swatara (1872) was a screw sloop, launched in 1873 and decommissioned in 1891.

·         List of Pennsylvania rivers

External links

bullet Swatara Creek Water Trail
bullet Canal Museum: Union Canal
bullet Swatara Creek Greenway

Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association

August 29, 2007

Bank statements and cancelled checks were reviewed.

On a Worrilow/Stouffer motion, the 2006 Financial report was approved as presented.

Wise Propety:  Awaiting grant announcement.  Talked with Chuck Henry about setting up a meeting to review details of what each entity requests to meet their needs--after a successful announcement.

Sojourn 20th Anniversary planning:

bulletSupport requested for Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs by visiting  

Clean up the Swatara Creek

 

Thank you for any support that you can provide. To comment, you have to register.  If the name you choose is 'rejected', try adding a number behind it.

o       Applied for Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

o       Suggested River of the Year consideration from DCNR.  Even though the name of our waterway is Swatara Creek, in most states, “If you don’t go dry, ‘you’re’ a river.”

o       Eddie Kosik, eagle scout project to sign around ten bridges.  They would tentatively include Lancaster St. (Little Swatara?), Heilmandale Rd., Ono Rd., Yorty Bridge Rd., Black's Bridge, Gravel Hill Rd., Route 743, Sand Beach Rd., and Route 39.  I also suggested 934 in this series.

FYI:  2007 POWR payment received.

Spirit of Jonestown parade:  In addition to all of the fun that we had in the Jonestown parade, the Swatara Creek Watershed Association took home a $50 prize.  http://www.mbcomp.com/swatara/jonestownparade.htm  Thank you to Jonestown for including us; Supreme for providing the truck, trailer, and driver for the float; and participants:  Lori Sheffy and Scouts, Denise Donmoyer, Dick and June Blouch, Dave and Patti Ravegum, Jen Minnich, Coleen Wolfe, Jack and Lois Stouffer and girls.

Bordner Cabin response received to our ‘Master Plan.’  A meeting took place 8/27/07.  Further negotiations yielded positive results.  SCWA was granted permission to install an underground electric line from Old State Road to the cabin; security cameras and lighting; and Historic preservation, which will be researched.  Jonestown’s Mayor George Kaufman will work with DCNR staff on an acceptable design for the bridge.  Even though there is an exception for repairs and replacement, SCWA will ask Bethel Township for a letter of compliance with the PA Universal Construction Code and Labor and Industry for a letter of compliance or an occupancy permit.  A ramp for access is under consideration.  John Norbeck closed with, “This is a good project for both of us, but it will be a long process for consensus.”

State Interviews:

July 2007

bulletAt the Fish & Boat interview with Responsive Management SCWA became the cheerleader.  We were able to articulate programs like adopt-a-launch, boater safety courses, the Water Trail, responsiveness to pollution in the creeks, quantifiable numbers of fish (0 to 19) in the Northern Swatara, and their trout nursery.  F&Bs new motto is Resource First.  Many participants in the group discussion did not grasp the concept of recreation--like sojourns--as a way of creating stewards of the resource.

August 2007

bulletDCNR’s Kurt Leitholf met with Tom and I.  Strengths outlined included the Swatara Rivers Conservation Plan, Lebanon County Comprehensive Plan partnership, Sojourn, Water Trail, and progress in Swatara State Park—the cabin, road, and Vassil junkyard.  Suggestions included upfront grant dollars based on previous experience with a group’s ability to deliver on time, on budget, and file timely reports.  Consider that a volunteer completed grant application does not consume financial resources, and they can ‘deliver’ volunteers who multiply the value of the funding.  Priority should be given to projects that match a stated vision/goal.  We requested consideration as the 2008 River of the Year, Wise acquisition, and timely feedback.
bulletColetto Rozo did a one-on-one phone interview for the Extension Agency.  Kudos were given for their tire collection, West Nile Virus, Master Gardner, 4H Fair, help to sustain farms, and willingness to participate regionally. 

Farm Preservation:  When will you run out of farmland to preserve?  That's a question posed by our Planning Department.  So, I set out to devise a formula.  For what it's worth, on average, Lebanon has lost 1400 acres annually, and preserved approximately 1200 acres annually.  To accomplish preservation, we've contributed from the general fund, taken out bond issues, received matches from the state, and tapped into the federal farm and ranchland funds.

At the present pace of preservation, in less than 50 years, during the year 2047 Lebanon County will run out of farmland to preserve.  At that point, we will have preserved 59,703 acres of our total 223,492 acre land mass, but about 60% of our prime farmland.  Without an inflation factor, if an acre of land produces 120 bushels of corn, and each bushel sells for $2.50, an acre is worth $300 annually.  If my calculations are accurate, this means that Lebanon County will have lost almost $200 million in the economic value of farmland. 

SRBC grant report filed.

Other:

Lasky reported that the Quittie foot bridge footers were installed by Lech Brothers, Palmyra.  It will be late October or early November before the wood decking is installed.  Ann also reported on a vernal pools talk by Gene Wingert.

Rugh Henderson shared his experience with a new Environmental Council in South Londonderry Township.  He is pleased with the caliber of applicants to serve on the volunteer board.  Further, a private lands ordinance, similar to Ag security areas, allows property owners to post their land as a “natural area.”

Denise Donmoyer relayed that Tom Powers presented a program at Sweet Arrow Lake on ferns, and will be coming back to talk about bats.

The Conservation District, Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Lebanon Water Authority and Ann Pinca (concerned citizen) investigated an acid mine seep on Gold Mine Run which leads to the Lebanon Reservoir, which leads to the Swatara.  The seep is quite orange though a frog was seen in it.  The water tested to a ph of 6.2 which is not real bad.  Reservoir ph has not been a problem according to authority staff.

Program:  Based on Mauree Erdman’s original manuscript, Jon Beers, Lebanon Water Authority engineer, presented a detailed history from 1869-1994 of the Lebanon Water Authority.  Seven options were studied:  a well at 12th and Walnut Streets; Zinn’s Mill; Snitz Creek; Stoever’s Dam; Little Swatara, Quittie at two springs in the headwaters; and Hammer Creek @ Horst’s Mill in Rexmont.

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1871 Rexmont Dam and water main was built for $199,000

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1872 September 13 the water started to flow, and the first water main break occurred.  The test was to have enough pressure to spray over the courthouse steeple.

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1883 A second dam @ Rexmont was constructed for $18,000

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1886 Lebanon Borough changed to Lebanon City, and the Board went from 3 to 4 members.

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1887 The water system served 40,000 population 100 gallons per day per person or five million gallons per day.  Today, the Authority serves 57,000 people

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1889 – third Rexmont Dam built at a cost of $16,990.  Dam 3 flows into dam 1.

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1898 Studied Fishing Creek, which was eleven times the size of the Rexmont Dam

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1902 A dam was built on Hammer Creek and poplar Run in Lancaster

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1925 July 25 the third and first dams collapsed, and the second dam overflowed

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1935 July 19 the City of Lebanon Authority was formed.

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1943 Gannet Fleming studied the area after WWII.  It would cost $1.6 million to build a dam in the north

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1944 VA Medical Center forced a new dam to service 500 beds for adequate water supply and jobs for returning veterans

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1945 The Authority purchased the water supply system from the City for $750,000.  The water is chlorinated, not filtered.  PH is good these days.

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Betty Eiceman is the only woman to ever serve on the Water Authority Board.

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The Authority owned more land, but only kept the Highbridge Reservoir footprint.  The balance of land was sold to the PA Game Commission for $400 an acre.  Therefore, the Seigrist Reservoir can not expand.

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The Authority needs access to Old State Road to access their gravity fed water main.  Their right-of-way will accommodate horses.

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1952 Bethlehem Steel sold Consolidated Water Company to the Authority for $650,000.  The purchase included the intake from Swatara Creek in Jonestown; Sandhill Reservoir; a connection to Hershey Water company; supply lines to Fort Indiantown Gap; a water filtration plant next to the intake.  This purchase provided a second means of water supply for the City and County.  While it is more expensive to pump from the Swatara Creek and it does not dry up, because of pumping and treating, the Swatara Creek is a valuable asset.

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Current Authority members include David Etter, chairman; George Patton, vice chairman’ Marty Yocum; Gary Matthew; and Betty Eiceman.

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1963 Project 70 proposed a dam on the Swatara Creek.  It never materialized.  Today, dams are a four-letter word.

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A fish passage on the Authority’s low-head dam is complete.  It is a notch about two-feet wide in the spillway.  A plate is pulled out in spring when shad are jumping.

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1970-72     Forced us to look at a well.  Reservations:  hard water, contamination difficult to treat; recharge; survey and protect water sources.  Val Spar uses 300,000 gallons per day.

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1970-73     1978 Spillway in need of repairs—reaction to Agnes

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1970-74     Moved filtration plant out of the floodplain.

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1978 Spillway in need of repairs—reaction to Agnes

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1986 At Highbridge, two new dam breasts are built downstream of the existing dam breast.

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1991 Bid Lodigiani USA to build the Highbridge reservoir at a cost of $17.8 million

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1994 the dam was filled

July 25, 2007

In attendance:  Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, Doug Deppin, Tom Embich, Spencer Grogan, Jo Ellen Litz, Nancy Shean, Jack Stouffer

During our annual outdoor meeting, Watermelon at the Waterworks, members picked up litter, which fulfills our "Adopt-a-Launch" agreement with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. 

Bordner cabin report: Monday, July 23, 2007;  We are actually meeting this afternoon to discuss the plan. We will get back to you with comments in the near future. Thanks.  John Norbeck.

August 11 Parade celebration called, "The Spirit of Jonestown."  Jonestown has been around since 1761.  SCWA Float:  Volunteers welcome to help--theme, The Swatara Flows Through It. 

I know that you have been involved with the Swatara Creek for many years. We own 16 +/- acres along the Creek near Lickdale and have for about 20 years. The time has come for us to sell it. Before we list it with a realtor, do you know anyone who might be interested in it? Mark & Eva Stahley, Lebanon, Pa 17046

Weather permitting, we are scheduled to do some maintenance at QEWP next week - Wednesday, July 25th.  Start time is 7:30ish to no later than 11:00.  Chores include securing netting to rafters on pavilion, filling in holes, killing Tree of Heaven & poison ivy & Multi-flora rose, sweeping floor & washing off tables, weedwhacking around evergreens & signs, repair one of the signs, etc.  I hope you can join us.  The weather is forecasted as a HOT one, come Wed (90s), which is why we're starting early - to beat the heat.  Bring a shovel or a weedwhacker, if you have one - we'll supply the gas. 

How much farmland should we preserve?  32,645 acres have already been covered/impacted by existing development

64,691 acres of prime soils remain in some open space
35,230 acres of statewide impt soils remain in open space
99,921 acres total (Less 754 acres that are water covered)

August 9 at 2 PM.  we will meet with Kurt Leitholf, Executive Director, Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council (CNRAC)/DCNR, who will be bringing his administrative assistant to record our conversation, and any of our CNRAC work group members who may be available to participate in the discussion. 

Ralph Duquette was appointed to serve on the newly-formed EAC for South Londonderry.  He asked for guidance in terms of what the county has for conservation-type committees.  A list was provided:  Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, Lebanon County Conservation District, Quittaphahilla Watershed Association, Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited.  Please advise if a group was missed.

Even after costly legal battles that said he had no right, on a Union Township property, Frompovitz may have poured a concrete pad in preparation for water withdrawal for his bottling operation.  Union Township is not likely to allow that to happen.

A letter from Matt Royer indicates that the Small Watershed Grant program application was not successful.  They recommend trying NOAA or the US Forrest Service.

Eddy Kosik is a member of Boy Scout Troop 8 in Harrisburg. He has been looking for a service project to complete in order to receive his Eagle rank. Recently, his troop took a canoeing/kayaking trip down the Swatara Creek Water Trail, and everyone had a great time. They had trouble, however, determining which bridges they were passing under as they continued down the creek. He wondered if his troop could add some form of identification to the bridges, in order to make navigation easier. SCWA offered guidance.  The local MPO checked whether PennDOT funds could accomplishing signing bridges for safety.  The answer was no.  Eddy was encouraged to perform his eagle project, which could serve as a pilot project.  We also shared our request with the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
 

Response to Buddy:  Thank you for your inquiry.  The State has been systematically breaching dams on the Swatara.  As I understand it, two issues are driving dam removal.  1)  Safety.  Low head dams are hard to see as you float downstream.  People going over the dam can literally get caught in a death trap.  The water pushes you to the bottom, and you can't get up or out.  2) Free flowing streams allow for anadromous fish like Salmon to spawn upstream and catadromous fish like American Eels in the Sargasso Sea.  (I hope I remembered that correctly.)   In short, I know of no funding available to study the reintroduction of low-head dams on the Swatara.

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:32 AM 

Subject: History of the Dam Brests on the Swatara Creek

  Growing up in Jonestown & remembering the dam Brest which was south of Jonestown on the " little swatara creek '' & was actually located in Bunker hill & being old enough to remember some of the activities that the dam Brest allowed all because naturally the water was held back & was quite deep which allowed boating & canoeing, fishing at its best, ice skating in winter times, as grew older I spent a lot of time along the ' Swattie  fishing & boating all because there was enough water to do so, I remember also a dam Brest on farther down the swattie west of the Rt 72 bridge called Mishes Mill Dam which naturally kept the creek flowing higher & I also remember all the people I saw along the water way just enjoying a peaceful time water it was sitting there fishing & relaxing, people  with picnic baskets sitting on blankets enjoying a snack, people rafting or canoeing & of course people swimming at the various swimming holes along this water way, if I remember correctly all of these dams were washed away in the 1972 flood & never replaced, as I still drive along the swattie I see the water level so far down that the creek is almost useless for any kind of enjoyment, I know things are different today than they were 60 yrs ago but if thee were dams put back in I am sure the benefits would be more than one could realize, our country spends so much money on useless things that I wont even get into & I am wondering if there couldn't be a study on rebuilding the dams back on the swattie once again, is there a grant out there to do a study & maybe install a dam or two on the water way & give the kids & people of today some of the enjoyment that was lost because these dams were not rebuild ?............................Thank you ,Buddy Schwartz

June 27, 2007

Welcome all!  At 9:30AM, the June 26, 2007 SCWA meeting was held at the Watershed office.

Attendees:  Bob Arnold, Harvey Bomberger, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Walt Haber, Steph Harmon, Ann Lasky, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, John Worrilow,

BUSINESS:

Swatara State Park

bullet Bordner Cabin:  Master Plan submitted by SCWA.  DCNR staff visited the site.  We are waiting on approvals.
bullet Notified Associated Products that the portable toilet needed attention.
bullet Old State Road:  Per the Lebanon Daily News, a 35-year lease was offered, but Supervisors voted to vacate the road and seek a permanent agreement.  Negotiations continue between Swatara Township

UCCR: 

bullet Waiting on announcement of grant awards.
bullet Contacted by Michael Schaul, President of Wetlands Habitat Management (WHM), Inc., (www.wetlandshabitat.com), with interest in creating a wetland bank at the golf course.  Jo Ellen will meet with their scientists at the site.

AUDIT:  Won’t be completed until August.  Since in 2006 we did not meet minimum criteria to file a long 990 tax return and to contain costs, the CPA suggested a review, which is $1200.  Board members studied the last three bank statements, and on a Haber/Embich motion, unanimously agreed to accept the CPA’s recommendation.  However, in order to provide 1099s to farmers or other partners and to provide copies of our financial statements to grantors, the CPA will be notified that we need future audits completed in a timely manner—no extensions.  Further, copies of bank statements and cancelled checks will continue to serve as financial reports at meetings.  Audit bids for 2007 may be sought.  For an RFP, Litz will seek audit requirements from DCNR and PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Pine Grove Landfill:  2.4 acres will be the final pad.  No further expansion will be considered by DEP.  The move still poses a risk of leachate for years to come.  Bonds must be maintained to monitor the site and protect our drinking water.

July 25 meeting:  Watermelon at the Waterworks.  Cleanup litter, work on boat launch as needed.

Federal Eminent Domain:  An electricity line is proposed to run from other states to New York.  Members were not anxious for the State of PA to give up their rights to the federal government for eminent domain.  It appears that counties in the Swatara Watershed are targeted for the line—Lebanon, Dauphin, Berks, and Schuylkill.  Worrilow questioned the impact of a recent Supreme Court decision.

Comprehensive Plan maps were reviewed.  It was suggested that the Comp Plan should not allow utilities and rights-of-way to pass through sensitive areas identified in the National Areas Inventory; preserved farms; or preserved historic sites.

Jonestown 100th Anniversary parade 8/11:  On a Stouffer/Harmon motion, the SCWA will try to reserve a trailer from Supreme upon which we will create a float of canoes and kayaks, perhaps hand out Swedish fish to children.  Volunteers welcome.

Center for Land and Water:  Seeking approximately $15,000 in grant funding to complete a study process similar to SCWAs River’s Conservation Plan.

Donmoyer shared Schuylkill County newspaper coverage of the Swatara Sojourn; and information about a bulletproof toilet installed at Sweet Arrow Lake (cement, but looks like wood).

Lasky said that on July 15 construction should begin on a glue wood-laminate Quittie footbridge.  Arnold questioned the number of year flood the bridge is designed to withstand.  Ann also announced a program on vernal pools at the Mt. Gretna Hall of Philosophy on July 27 at 7:30PM.

Haber shared that 4-5 miles of the Conewago Trail were stoned, which means hikers and bikers can travel from Zinn’s Mill Road to Elizabethtown.

Light stated there is a program by Tom Powers and Richard Light on ferns at 10AM at Governor Dick.  Further, Barb Strawser’s painting of a Schaefferstown barn, Lebanon County’s oldest log barn, is on sale for $40, and monies collected by the Conservancy from the sale of the print will go directly into the log barn project..

Harmon asked everyone to mark his or her calendars and save the date of October 27 for the next Watershed forum to be held at the Quentin Riding Club.  Steph is due to deliver Hunter next Friday.  We wish mother and son well.

SCWA encourage Robert H. Checket to submit his poem to a Lebanon Daily News contest:

The Swatara Speaks

As gentle rain falls, Swatara Creek calls,
Inviting me into her past.
In unspoken ways, she reveals the old days,
Of eons that went by too fast.

Of times before man dominated the land,
Of Indian tribes and their respect.
Of those so brave who tried to save
Her waters from filth and neglect.

Of eels galore, fish and turtles and more,
Of muskrats and snakes, ducks and geese.
When her water ran pure, when man could be sure,
Near her he'd find solace and peace.

But with the white man, pollution began,
Her crystal clear waters turned black
The discovery of coal had blackened her soul,
It seemed there was no turning back.

Swatara had spoken, her spirit not broken
She mournfully wept in sorrow
But the hint of a smile has returned to each mile.
As she hopes for a better tomorrow.

There being no further business, a Worrilow/Stouffer motion passed to adjourn.

May 30, 2007

Welcome all!  At 9:30AM, the May 30, 2007 SCWA meeting was held at the Watershed office.

Attendees:  Betty & George Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Steph Harmon, Carol Keesey, Ann Lasky, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Nancy Shean, and John Worrilow.

BUSINESS:

Swatara Sojourn:  Thank you letters were sent to sponsors.  Due to a crashed computer, a mailing address for Scott Ihn is requested.  The final POWR report needs filed.  Comments:  Tom suggested that carabineers could be used to slip onto a “tow line” at challenging exits, and the carabineers should be considered as gifts for next year’s sojourn.

Swatara State Park

bulletVassil property: structure removed and grounds cleaned up.  Three construction dumpsters full of trash and some more tires.
bulletOld State Road – No action taken at the last meeting at Swatara Township.  DCNR is set to bid the project in November in order to start “construction” next spring (2008).  The road should reopen in late spring or summer 2009.
bulletBordner Cabin:  DCNR State Parks Director John Nobeck requested a Master Plan for the Cabin.  Chuck Trovel is retiring late in June, but in two weeks he will visit the site with Gene Comas; Tony Jacoby; Andy Evans, a landscape architect; and/or Mike Twig to determine if L&I waivers are possible with or without historic designation.  If SCWA submits a Master Plan for the cabin within two weeks, we are promised feedback within one month.  Betty likened the Bordner Cabin to Ashcroft in Colorado. 

Wise Property-Union Canal Canoe Rentals Acquisition:  In addition to completing an appraisal, an agreement of sale is signed.  A May 18 conference call with Lori Yeich and Saylin Stover, DCNR; Scott Bollinger, Fish and Boat Commission; Tom Donmoyer, East Hanover Township Supervisor, and Jo Ellen for SCWA concluded that when SCWA purchases the property with DCNR and Fish and Boat grant funds, SCWA will turn over the property to East Hanover Township.  SCWA will hold a management agreement.  While DCNR’s grant should be awarded late in summer, Fish & Boat grant rounds are pushed back.  Therefore, the agreement of sale was amended, and settlement should take place by April 2008.  A Worrilow/Embich motion passed to sign a DCNR amendment to our grant application, which states that the Governor’s staff will review our grant application.

Other:

Pennsy Supply withdrew a lawsuit against the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

The Dauphin County Conservation District will host an Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan meeting on June 28 at Hummelstown Boro, 1PM.  Tom will complete a questionnaire that was provided for comment.

Notice was received concerning an Interagency and Intergovernmental plan for an Environmental Planning Multi Purpose Training Range on 900 acres to establish a surface danger zone in connection with the National Guard Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap.  SCWA Board comments will be received by email through June 8, and combined into one document for consideration.  The preferred alternative includes the establishment of a SDZ on a portion of SGL 211 in connection with the operation of the MPTR at NGTC-FTIG.  Under this alternative, a 900-acre portion of SGL 211 would serve as a SDZ for the MPTR for up to 90 days per calendar year when the MPTR is in operation.  A proposed cooperative land use agreement between the DMVA and the PGC would include additional limitations on the use of the 900-acre SDZ and provide for consideration for the PGC allowing this military use of SGL 211.  THE DMVA and PAARNG is requesting baseline information regarding any concern that SCWA may have as related to the potential environmental issues at, or in the vicinity of, the proposed action.  A response is due on or before June 18.

DEP provided a report on the Horseshoe Pike property that contained numerous tires.  All waste material issues have been resolved.

Worrilow emphasized the importance of tracking volunteer hours that can be used for a grant match.

Conner started a verbal discussion tracing the path of the Union Canal through Lebanon County

·        East of Prescott Road, the Canal followed the Tulpehocken Creek. 

·        From Prescott Road westward, the Canal follows Route 422, then heads north on the west side of WalMart off of Lehman Street to Canal Street. 

·        From there, around 7th Street, the Canal headed north again to Maple Street, and then westward toward West Lebanon where the Union Canal Tunnel is located, and follows the Creek to the Water Works where the Canal then follows the Swatara Creek to the County line.

In preparation for an East/West trail, Embich, Conner, and Shean are researching map and lot numbers.

Donmoyer reminded everyone that 2008 will be our 20th year of canoeing and cleaning up the Swatara Creek.  We should keep our eyes open for programs and music that will make 2008 our best year ever.

Donmoyer also invited SCWA members to a covered dish on Friday, June 8 at Sweet Arrow Lake for an “appreciation tour” at 6PM.                                                                                                          

Lasky invited everyone to Old Annville Days on June 9.  Visit Quittie Creek Nature Park’s stand.

Lasky also mentioned a Vernal Ponds talk at Mt. Gretna and the possibility of the bridge over the Quittie getting started this summer.  Final design has not yet been selected by the contractor.  For a comparable bridge needed at the Bordner Cabin, Lasky suggested looking at the 30’ span created at Levitz Park.

Harmon noted that Rachel Carson’s 100th Anniversary was on May 27.

Harmon also invited everyone to a noxious weeds workshop on June 6 from 9AM to noon.  Cost is $5.

Finally, Harmon suggested that SCWA members may want to attend a Comprehensive Plan public meeting either June 12th at Northern Lebanon High School or June 20th at HACC.  Both meetings begin at 7PM.

George Conner commented on the progress and depth of activity completed by SCWA since our inception attending landfill hearings in Pottsville about two decades ago.  Worrilow reminded everyone that we made 23 trips to the Schuylkill County Courthouse.  With the numerous lawyers asking questions and denying admission of evidence if the material was not created by the presenter, Worrilow had stated he was afraid to quote the Bible, which he did not author, for fear of being declared out of order.  He closed by stating every question was asked except, “Did you Boscov today?”  John always brings a smile to our face, and sometimes a belly laugh.

Worrilow also mentioned that Water Authority member David Etter had a stroke and was recuperating at Hershey Medical Center.

Today’s Patriot contained a picture of Gloria Smith by an abandoned Union Canal Tunnel at Water Works.  Embich declared that because it both straddles the stream and travels under the Union Canal Tow Path and canal as well as being the largest tunnel to perform this task, this tunnel is unique, second only to the Union Canal Tunnel near West Lebanon.  Embich will contact Silldorff to see if there is interest in approaching the PHMC for historical designation and funding to repair the Tunnel.  A FEMA letter dated March 15, 2007 and provided by Congressman Holden states that “the poor condition of the bridge was not disaster related…(and) there are no FEMA programs available to assist these families.” 

April 25, 2007 

Welcome all!  At 9:30AM, the April 25, 2007 SCWA meeting was held at the Watershed office.

Attendees:  Bob Arnold, June Blouch, Betty & George Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, John Halsberi, Stephanie Harmon, Scott Ihn, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, John Worrilow

BUSINESS:

Swatara State Park

bulletOld State Road – Swatara Township Supervisors are working out the final details of an agreement with DCNR.
bulletDetour signs-Thanks Karen and Dick Light for assistance in locating the signs.
bulletBordner Cabin
bulletUnited Way Day of Caring project- Earth Day, April 22 cleanup, raked and made ready for sojourn.
  1. Picnic Tables- Two 10’ tables installed.  Thanks Dick and June for arranging delivery by Jono Hardware!
  2. Closet Door-Thanks Chuck and Charlotte Allwein.  They look great!
  3. Stuffed Chair-Removed.
  4. Bluebird houses-Hung
  5. Stone-Filled potholes in driveway
bulletApproval for Remaining Projects-Still pending. “The plan for the foot bridge does not have enough detail to determine it's suitability for a public use area. If you wish, I will ask our folks in Facility Design and Construction for a design and specs for the project. I am sure they will also want to look at the abutments being used too. As for the other work requested (water wheel…), if possible I would like to sit down and memorialize the plans for the area so that we can look at them in a more holistic way. I am hearing conflicting accounts of what the plan is for the area and I would like to make sure we are all on the same track.”
  1. Bridge--Ask: 
    1. Will DCNR please provide Facility Design and Construction for our consideration—subject to revision?  We want to avoid a situation that becomes too expensive to implement.  What is the timeframe for a design?  Will a sunset provision provide an opportunity to move forward if permission is not granted by a certain date?
    2. Inform DCNR that the Rotary grant will expire, and so that we can file reports, updates are needed on a frequent basis.
    3. Would it be easier to use the pre-existing but nonconforming bridge location that extended to a pier from the porch, or to use the boulders to anchor the bridge slightly upstream?
    4. Ask Quittie Creek for tips on the design used for their footbridge.
    5. IS SCWA or DCNR able to obtain a waiver for a DEP permit, or should we apply for a permit?
bulletMantle- Anticipate June construction and installation.

Per John Norbeck 4/2007, no Project 70 money was ever spent on Swatara.

 $61,000,000.00

General Fund?

 

(Designated but not appropriated?)

 

 

 

Land acquisition-

$7,117,431

capital dollars

 

Relocation of roads and utilities

$6,098,847

capital dollars

 

Design and site tests work on dam that was never built

$2,801,381

capital dollars

 

Design and construction for the initial phase.

$4,965,000

 

 

 

$20,982,659

Total to date

bulletAn Embich/Arnold motion passed to affirm a letter of support for Jonestown’s grant application for a trail along Swatara Creek.  Jonestown is fortunate that a developer donated land for the trail, and the value of that land can be used as a match to obtain cash for improvements to the land.
bulletSwatara Sewage-notified that their County recommended Growing Greener grant was denied to provide sewage at Rockwood—north of Sandhill, near Fisher bus.  Supervisors have spent considerable funds to complete grant applications.  They were discouraged that this depressed area in a 319d watershed, where two elderly people have already lost their homes, is not high on the radar for funding.   A question was asked, “is Rockwood in a flood plain?”  SCWA stands ready to facilitate 501C3 grants that are available for this project.
bulletWise Property-Union Canal Canoe Rentals Acquisition
bulletA Harmon/Stouffer motion passed to pay for the $900 Agrarian Associates appraisal, which was available for review.
bulletA Conner/Harmon motion passed to affirm a resolution submitted with the DCNR grant.
bulletFish and Boat grant submitted electronically for comment prior to submitting a hard copy.
bulletAgreement of Sale (pending grant approval)-waiting for Chuck Henry to return from vacation to verify if agreement of sale can be signed in its current form. 
bulletDeed Description closed- Not sure if State will require a new survey.
bulletPalmyra letter of support submitted—FYI only, based on a previous vote.
bulletResearch on the current ownership of the Union Canal and Tow Path.  Tom Embich is wading through map L6 at the Water Works.