2001 Meeting Minutes
 | A letter of thanks was received from Ed Keener for the award and
recognition ceremony hosted by SCWA on the occasion of his retirement.
| A vote of affirmation was taken to pay Hopewell Manufacturing
$3210 for the Water Trail sign frames. Motion
carried.
| A letter was received from the Lebanon County Conservation regarding their
Growing Greener Grant application for their Roofed Mortality Composter
Project and asking for SCWA’s support. It was the consensus of the
members present to support this project.
| It was moved by John Worrilow, seconded by Ann Lasky, to pay the bill of $583
for the Officers’ Bond Insurance. Motion
carried.
| It was moved by John Worrilow, seconded by Ann Lasky, to award a contract
for audit and tax preparation to Steiner and Faren, for
$1600. Motion carried.
| A copy of the federal Volunteer Protection Act was provided to members.
We will ask our legal advisor if this legislation is sufficient to cover
“libel or slander”. Or do we need a third policy?
| Tom Embich reviewed information provided to Buskirk on Beaver Creek.
| For the purpose of maximizing grant opportunities, the Quittapahilla
Watershed Association is working on an MOU with the Lebanon
Valley Conservancy to partner with them under the Conservancy’s
501C3 status. SCWA members discussed the implications and there was
mutual agreement for the arrangement, but SCWA and QWA will continue to
partner on certain projects. However, it is understood that SCWA
insurance will only cover projects reviewed, approved, sponsored and signed
by SCWA. John Worrilow moved, seconded by Tom Embich to recommend that
QWA and LVC also recognize in their MOU and Resolution the ability of QWA to
work with SCWA. Motion carried.
| Possible funding for the second half of the QWA Growing Greener Grant
application for a watershed assessment was discussed. In addition to
DEP funding through the LV Conservancy 501C3, matching funds could come from
Canaan Valley Institute as a Technical Assistance Grant through SCWA’s
501C3.
| The Lebanon Valley Conservancy sent a letter requesting support of their
DCNR Grant for the Tulpehocken Trail Project. It was the members’
consensus that SCWA should send a letter of support for this project which
fits in with our River Conservation Plan’s recommendation for developing a
Union Canal Greenway. SCWA will also offer to be a sponsor in this
endeavor.
| Jo Ellen drafted a letter asking Congressmen Gekas for
his support of the Southcentral RC&D District in
Pennsylvania. John Worrilow moved, Tom Embich seconded, that the letter be
sent. Motion carried.
| Following review of the Ft. Indiantown Gap Environmental Impact
Statement, comments from SCWA were prepared. John Worrilow
moved and Tom Embich seconded that the comments be sent. Motion
carried.
| A meeting to plan for the 2002 PA River Sojourns will take place on
January 8 at 10:30 A.M. at the Wildwood Lake Nature Center north of
Harrisburg. SCWA submitted an application for a participation grant
last month. Jo Ellen will attend the meeting.
| In applying for Growing Greener Grants, there have been questions about
what can be covered by the 2% Administrative Fee. This month SCWA
reviewed the 2% Administrative Fee with DEP to obtain some definitive
answers.
| The status of the grant application for remediation of nonpoint source
pollution on farms in the Little Swatara Watershed was reviewed with DEP.
We are awaiting feedback.
| Extra questionnaires for the Swatara State Park Management Plan were
distributed at the meeting and are available at the SCWA office.
| Tom Embich reported that the Fish and Boat Commission is sending letters
to owners of dams on private property to ask their permission to breach the
dams if they are no longer in use. The dam on the Swatara near route
39 is slated for removal because Hershey Foods no longer needs it.
However, there is a question whether PA American Water Company needs to have
the dam in place to maintain a level of water at their intake a short
distance upstream. There is also concern that a wetland bird sanctuary
near the dam would dry up. The dam on the Swatara at Middletown was
breached some years ago to allow fish passage, but some dangerous concrete
blocks and metal bars were left behind, resulting in a hazard to canoes and
kayaks.
| Tom also reported on a proposed zoning change in Derry Township that would
allow a number of farms in the Sand Hills area to be developed for housing.
A public water company has extended lines in the area to serve homeowners on
wells. There is concern that as farmland is developed, recharge of
groundwater will be reduced and increased flooding of Spring Creek may
occur. The zoning hearing is scheduled for January 8.
| Bill Achor reported that the owner of the Dutch Country Farms in Berks and
Lebanon Counties has applied for CREP funding to establish Conservation
Reserve areas.
| David Lasky reported that the Quittapahilla Watershed Association will
hold its next meeting on January 30. At SCWA’s next meeting, Rocky Powell
will describe his stream restoration projects working with Barry Evans at
Penn State U. He will discuss the planned assessment of the
Quittapahilla Watershed, stormwater modeling, nutrient modeling, and the
Rosgen Natural Stream Design techniques. | |
| Permission requested to help organize a fundraiser for
Joyce Kunkle who lost her home to a sinkhole. It was moved by John
Worrilow, seconded by Ann Lasky, to approve SCWA working with Karen Light
and Lois Meily to help organize a fund raiser. Motion carried.
| Permission requested to pay Clear Creeks Consulting $2,031.72
on the Quittie restoration grant. This is the end of the advance money
for this grant. The full bill is $11,875.89, and Dave requested a
$9844.17 plus administration request for reimbursement. It was moved by John
Worrilow, seconded by Ann Lasky, to pay the $2,031.72 to Clear Creek
consulting. Motion carried.
| Environmental Futures Final Report for the North Watersheds in the DEP
Southcentral Region is on file in SCWA Office.
| Growing Greener Grant Round 4 information is here! Any ideas for
submittal? Deadline is February 8, 2002. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/defaultdep.htm
| Is Your Future Draining Away? Attend the Water Conservation Congress Dec.
13 at the Penn Stater Conference Center, State College. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/DEPUTATE/Watermgt/wc/Subjects/WaterResources/
| A List of Data Points was submitted to Kim Weaver for the Streamlynx
project.
| Mackin – Final GIS Training has been requested.
| Next Swatara State Park Management Plan Public Meetings will be held on
12/13 from 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 PM. Additional surveys &
newsletters are available.
| Fort Indiantown Gap EIS comment period ends December 17.
Comments are welcome. It was recommended that the MOU between Ft.
Indiantown Gap and the Lebanon County Conservation District be included in
the appendix. It was moved by John Worrilow, seconded by Walt Haber,
to authorize sending a letter with this suggestion. Motion
Carried.
| The 2002 Swatara Sojourn will extend from Union Canal
Canoe Rentals to the Susquehanna River. It was moved by John Worrilow,
seconded by Ann Lasky, to approve SCWA sponsorship of the 2002 Swatara
Sojourn & submit an application to Susan Parry at POWR. Motion
carried.
| Contacted by Mark Edmondson, Hammer Creek, about nutrient runoff.
| Contacted by Tim Staub, Rettew Assoc, concerning a Pine Grove Township
Comprehensive Plan.
| Contacted concerning a comment period for a quit claim for the Union Canal
towpath on the John Boltz property.
| Contacted by Bruce Bishoff about being included on a Susquehanna Water
Trail mailing list. They want to number the islands in the Susquehanna River
beginning at the Chesapeake Bay.
| Contacted by Kelly Caldwell, Foster Wheeler Environmental in Langhorn PA
about running a gas pipe near an old aqueduct near Bunker Hill.
| Open House at the Cornwall Inn to benefit LV Rails-to-Trails, Dec. 16 from
4 to 7 PM, $15pp
| New Publication by Canaan Valley Institute: ‘Hope & Hard Work,
Making a Difference in the Eastern Coal Region’. | The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM followed by a video tour of the wastewater treatment plant and a buffet lunch. |
| Business: Fall 2001 Swatara State Park "Explorer" mailing received outlining the New Master Planning Study (that's) Underway. Lebanon Conservation District is requesting either nominations for their
board or endorsement of Calvin Miller and Jeffrey Steckbeck who are willing
to serve additional terms of office. Bob Arnold moved, John Worrilow
seconded, to endorse nomination of Calvin Miller and Jeffrey Steckbeck to
LCCD Board of Directors. Motion carried.
| Welcome to new lifetime member William & Carol Christ.
| Second Water Trail sign dedicated at Boat House Road Park.
| Quarterly Reports were filed with DEP for the Contour, StreamLynx, and
Conservation Kit grants.
| Contours:
| Terry Hough, DCNR, says our $5182 check from the original RCP contract was
cut (10/22/01), and they are waiting on the comptroller to return the check
so they can get that check back to us, hopefully by the end of this week).
The comptroller is processing the amendment adding the vector contours. The
new grant total is $ 56,000. GIS CD's and a final request for payment form
were submitted 10/26/01.
| Patti Robins, DEP, says their contour contract was sent to the
Comptroller's office on 10/22 - it will take 2-3 weeks (i.e. Nov 12-15) to
be finalized. Then she will submit the request for the 20% and it will take
4-6 weeks to get payment.
| Jamie Wogelmuth, County of Lebanon, is also working on processing the
County's share.
| A demonstration of both the Streamlynx and GIS layers was presented to the
Lebanon County Township Supervisors. Delivering on a promise, Rivers
Conservation Plan books, CD's and GIS CD's were distributed to those in
attendance who provided letters of support. A renewed call for resolutions
of support for the RCP resulted in distribution of additional sample
resolutions.
| The Lebanon County Comprehensive Plan was originally done
in 1976 and updated or revised in 1987. Andrew Longenecker requested the
information for the Berks County Conservancy who is submitting an
application to the DCNR to design a trail feasibility plan along the
Tulpehocken Creek. There are many benefits to this idea. Perhaps the one
liked the most is connecting the Berks County Park System to the Swatara
Water Trail.
| RC&D Area applications from around the country were
due in the USDA NRCS office in Washington on October 15, 2001. The revisions
to our application were submitted in order to meet this deadline. Currently,
there are 27 RC&D applications from around the country on file for
review by NRCS. The Secretary of Agriculture, Ann M. Veneman, will be making
the final selection from that group for designation. How many new RC&D's
will receive designation is unknown. If you are planning to write support
letters, now would be the time to request your federal legislators to
contact the Secretary of Agriculture to express support for the Capital
RC&D Area application.
| Permission was granted to pay Clear Creeks Consulting $13,456.48
on the Quittie restoration grant.
| For a period of about two weeks, the SCWA web site wouldn't go past the
home page. The problem stemmed from an upgrade at Lebanon MobileFone that
changed the URL for hard-wired links from www to users.
| Heritage Conservancy and Simone, Jaffe & Collins provided cultural
features GIS layers in the Swatara State Park in a CAD format for inclusion
on the Streamlynx layers.
| October 20 @8:30 A.M. Quittie Watershed completed plantings on a farm on
Beck Creek. Future workdays include: November 3rd @ 8:30 A.M. Quittie Creek
Nature Park in Annville and November 10th @ 8:30 A.M. plantings at Cleona
Playground and Mill Street.
| After today's meeting, the SCWA is going to discuss the GRANT for Dutch
Country with Russell Wagner from DEP. Members are welcome to join us for
lunch--Dutch Treat.
| Ann Devine, SRBC, is interested in a kick-off event, tentatively on
Wednesday, May 1st to have a rally in Harrisburg at the Capital to support
reauthorization of Growing Greener funds and watersheds. This would include
providing transportation for participants to Harrisburg (by using buses).
The rally participants would walk from City Island across the Susquehanna
River to the Capital where a press conference would occur. We would apply
for funding for transportation and lunch. Following the press conference,
rally participants could visit their legislators. Also, during May, we would
reserve space to have Growing Greener exhibits in the Capital. Also, as part
of Watershed Awareness Month, education curriculum packets would be
distributed to teachers (hopefully, using the same system as for Earth
Month). And, educational materials distributed to local governments,
watershed groups, senior centers, conservation districts, DEP watershed
managers.... It was also suggested to work with Kelly at GreenWorks to
develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to be aired during the month. In
addition, local educational activities would be occurring through the month.
POWR was identified to be the 501(c)3 to handle the funds and will be
looking to apply for funds from EPCAMR, WPCAMR, Western PA Watershed
Protection Program, and possibly others, if needed. We are looking to apply
for about $20,000 total.
| Several dozen Water Conservation Equations have been completed and
returned. We are awaiting paperwork from DEP so Kits can be ordered. The
Cedar Crest freshman Agriculture Education class is one group who will
receive a nice award of Kits.
| To follow up on last month's irrigation question, at the minimum, register
water use (> 20,000 gallons per day), but may also need a withdrawal
approval (> 100,000 gallons per day). Agriculture is exempt from the
consumptive use regulations. | |
| CLEAN organization presented a program on the proposed expansion of the
Pine Grove Landfill. They are an organization with more than 1500
members who act as a "watch-group" on the Pine Grove Landfill.
| QUITTAPAHILLA WATERSHED ASSOCIATION presented an update on their
activities, projects, and vision for the future. Since working
together, the Quittapahilla Watershed Association and the US Fish and
Wildlife Service have installed 55,700 feet, or 10 miles, of streambank
fencing in the watershed. They have also planted riparian buffers with
trees and shrubs, and stabilized streambanks with log deflectors and large
rocks. They have initiated a project at the Lebanon Career and
Technology Center to restore and develop an educational wetland. The
Association is starting a comprehensive assessment of the whole watershed
including chemical and physical water testing , macroinvertebrate studies,
and measurements of physical characteristics of streams. USGS has
compared monthly water samples from 1995 and 2000. They found the mean
nitrate concentration was 9.58 PPM in 1995 and 6.80 PPM in 2000, an
indication that remediation projects and agricultural BMPs have been
effective. | |
September 26, 2001, 9:30AM, Harper's Tavern
Welcome & Introductions: Present were Mary Golab, Dick Blouch, Ann Marie Lasky, David Lasky, Kirsten Williams, Joseph Hovis, Kim Weaver, John Orr, Ryan Koch, Stacy Cromer, Bob Arnold, Stephanie Harmon, Bill Achor, Jim Boyer and Betty Conner.
Approve Minutes: The minutes of the May, June & August meetings were approved. Treasurer’s Reports: The SCWA bank statements were available for review.
Business:
| Through e-mail, a majority of board members responded positively, but a vote was requested affirming payment of a $3,600 pass-through check for the Quittapahilla Watershed to reimburse the Lebanon County Conservation District for an invoice in the same amount. It was moved by Dick Blouch, seconded by Ann Lasky, to affirm the payment. Motion passed. |
| SRBC stream signage grant program update--Bob Arnold.reported that there are 30 or more major crossings of streams in the Swatara Watershed. State roads crossing the Swatara will be covered. SCWA plans to install signs at 5 main crossings of the Swatara Creek. Other crossings are being picked up by municipalities. An Eagle Scout has expressed interest in installing some of the smaller stream signs containing the SCWA logo on crossings of smaller creeks in the watershed. |
| Active Grants Chart: A chart of SCWA’s current grants, tracking numbers, contractors, and advisors was distributed with the agenda. |
| A bill was received from Digital Data Services, Lakewood CO. requesting $5,147.50 for Contour Layers for our GIS. Last month the SCWA Board voted to withhold payment until the edge-matching problems were addressed. The following message was received from Digital Data, "We have completed our review of the issues you have presented and all of the edge-matching problems are indeed due to revised paper maps not matching the older paper maps. The missing index contours will be corrected in the upcoming deliverable. The single composited shapefiles (lat:long & state:plane) along with our geo-referenced rasters will be shipped via FedEx either late today or tomorrow." Jim Boyer reported that the disks were shipped yesterday. Also, a contract supplement for $4,700.00 to complete the additional work for the GIS project was received from Mackin Engineering. A motion to approve the $4,700 supplement was made by Ann Lasky, and seconded by Dick Blouch. Motion carried. |
| On September 13, 2001, the Swatara State Park Task Force Steering Committee and Intergovernmental Committee met at Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation to discuss the Master Plan Feasibility Study of Swatara State Park. Representatives of Lebanon, Schuylkill and Dauphin Counties were present. Maddy Cantu, a very graphically talented landscape architecture student, scanned some of the Ivan Ponting photo collection for inclusion on displays. There will be a public meeting on October 2 at the Community Center in Fort Indiantown Gap to discuss the Study process and view the displays of GIS maps and photos. . |
| The Daily News called about stream levels in relation to the drought. A spring along Route 72 where people purchased water is closed. |
| We received a letter of thanks from Richard Browdie, Secretary of Aging, stating "250 nominations for this year's Governor's Silver and Gold Awards were received. The selection process was difficult. Unfortunately, our nominees, Karen & Richard, were not selected as finalists but certainly deserve our best wishes." |
| Copies of our Water Trail maps were donated for the ChamberPac. The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Chamber Pac is mailed to 3200 businesses. The fee for Chamber members to include material in the Pac was waived for the SCWA Water Trail Maps. Further, the CVI (Canaan Valley Institute ) logo will be inserted and their $1,800 toward more maps could print 2000 additional copies. However, with quantity, the price drops dramatically, and DCNR/Terry Hough approved a change in our grant to allow 4,000 more maps for a little less than $600 more. |
| Bonnie S. Swinehart, Environmental Writer/Editor for the Pa Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), wrote an article on the Water Trail for the statewide newsletter, Watershed Weekly. |
| We provided SRBC's Susan Obleski with a list of land that SCWA would like to see preserved along the Swatara Creek and/or tributaries. Additional suggestions are welcome. |
| To encourage partnerships, Welcome to the Swatara Creek Watershed packets will be prepared for new corporations that are locating in the watershed. We can include a trail map, a meeting schedule, sojourn brochure, board of director's affiliation.... |
| Comments on the Environmental Futures process were submitted to DEP. |
| SCWA was contacted by a group of citizens in Hershey, banding together to keep the Nye, Hart and Gipe properties from being rezoned from Conservation/Agricultural into a 70-100 home (Phase I) development. This property is bordered by Nye, Sandhill, & Hilltop Roads. It is one of the last undeveloped areas in Derry Township. |
| Information request was received concerning irrigation. |
| Michelle Brummer, Environmental Planner for Gannett Fleming, Inc. requested Chapters 6 and 8 of the Swatara Watershed Rivers Conservation Plan in PDF format for the Comprehensive Planning Process for Lower Paxton Township. |
| Watershed Awareness Month planning took place via a conference call on Monday, September 17th from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. The planning is being coordinated by Ann Devine, SRBC. A lso, a website by USGS with information about how to name an unnamed tributary is the following: http://geonames.usgs.gov/pppdgn.html It's pretty lengthy, but section 4 has the information. |
| American Rivers' draft River Budget: overview and online version of the River Budget for FY 2003 are in draft form. Most federal appropriations for FY 2002, as well as a few final funding recommendations for FY 2003, have not been finalized and are subject to change. |
| Stephanie Harmon forwarded an announcement of 2002 U.S. EPA Environmental Education Grants. Any local education agency, state education or environmental agency, college or university, not-for-profit organization (as described in Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), or noncommercial educational broadcasting entity is eligible to apply for a grant under this program. Most grants are made at the $5,000 level by the regional office; the upper limit of award amounts is $250,000 from EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The solicitation notice is the same for both the regional and national programs. Applications must bear a postmark no later than midnight, November 15, 2001. The solicitation notice with complete directions and forms needed for developing a work-plan and application can be obtained by: [1] logging on to EPA's website for environmental education, www.epa.gov/enviroed/solnotice, or [2] calling EPA Region 2 to request a copy; the number is (212) 637-3674. |
| We will invite the CLEAN organization, with more than 1500 members, to speak at our October 31 meeting. They are an active "watch-group" for the Pine Grove Landfill. |
Watershed News Articles:
8/2001-Jonestown Insert, Lebanon Daily News
8/28/01-Sights Set on Fun (Camp Bashore photo documentary) by Gordon Oliver, Daily News
8/30/01-Mengles to get water, Brian K Smith, Pottsville Republican
2001 - Quittapahilla Bridge Project on hold, Barbara Miller, Patriot News
9/2/01-Union Township growth hits some nerves, Al Winn, Patriot News
9/18/01-Water provider to be sold (German utility to buy American Water Works for $7.6 billion) Tom Dochat, Patriot News
Reports and Announcements by members:
Bill Achor, Wenger’s Feeds, Inc., reported on a visit he made to Denmark to view their manure processing technology. They have centralized manure processing facilities and bioreactors that produce electricity and thermal energy. Bill also attended a composting tour last week. He will be serving on the PA Composting Task Force that will be looking at all organic residuals available in Pennsylvania and the uses for compost in mine reclamation and wetlands restoration.
Ryan Koch, Schuylkill County Conservation District, reported on their three Growing Greener/319 grant projects: [1] For their streambank stabilization/fish habitat grant project, six sites involving 640 feet of streambank were completed. [2] For their acid mine drainage project, improvements were made to the intakes on Lorberry and Swatara Creeks. Bridges were installed to access the intakes and hoppers were built to make the addition of limestone easier. [3] At the Lorberry Creek wetland next to the Route 81 exit, an "Aquafix" unit was installed, a small water wheel that will dose the wetland with limestone.
Joseph Hovis, Ft.Indiantown Gap, reported that stream gauges were installed on Manada Run and Indiantown Run. Macroinvertebrate surveys are being done, 22 onsite and 8 offsite. An EIS and Water Resources Plan will be coming out soon. The constructed wetland sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is working out well. It is located across the road from the Memorial Lake parking lot. The lakes at Ft.Indiantown Gap attract many geese. It has been found that Border Collies are effective in discouraging the birds.
Kirsten Williams, SRBC, reported that they are working on TMDLs for Crosskill Creek and an unamed tributary to Swatara Creek.
Dick Blouch, reported that , utilizing the CREP program, he has 7.5 no-till acres seeded in orchard grass and red clover.
Ann Lasky, Quittie Nature Park, reported that a Lebanon Valley College student plans do a study of invasive species and catalog plants in a 2 acre area of the Park.
David Lasky, Quittapahilla Watershed Association, reported that the watershed association has completed 730 feet of streambank restoration at the Cleona Playground, and 349 feet at the pumping station and at Mill Street in Cleona. In November 1000 feet of streambank in Quittie Nature Park will be stabilized using stone from Carmeuse Quarry. The 2 acre wetlands project at the Lebanon Career and Technology Center is progressing. A website for the Quittapahilla Watershed Association is being developed by Ralph Heister’s class.
Mary Golab, DEP Watershed Coordinator, reminded us of the PA Watershed Conference to be held October 5 and 6 at The Resort at Split Rock, Lake Harmony. To register call POWR at 717-234-7910 or go to the website, www.pawatersheds.org. Applications for Growing Greener Grants, Round 4, will be accepted until February. There will be an applicant’s training workshop on December 12. She mentioned that (environmental measurements) of conditions and improvements are important and fit in with the Environmental Futures approach.
CALENDAR:
October 5 & 6, Watershed Conference @ Split Rock, Lake Harmony PA-Pocono Mtns.
October 27, Monitoring, Mentoring & More Jamboree, HACC 9-11AM. Call 717-780-2393
October 31, DCNR Snowmobile & ATV Grant applications due.
November 14 – 17, Groundwater Foundation Conference, Pittsburgh - "Today’s Technology Protecting Tomorrow’s Groundwater"
Suggestions for future SCWA meetings are welcome.
In February 2002, we will have a Legal Issues Workshop presented by SRBC.
A suggestion was made by Bill Achor to have a presentation on Technical Exchanges in Manure Management, Energy Production, and Organic Recycling.
Today’s Speaker:
Kim Weaver, Hedin Environmental, gave a progress report and presented a demonstration of the SteamLynx maps created for the SCWA website. There are 42 available map layers that she asked us to review and to provide feedback on which layers should be included on the maps for the website.
NEXT MEETING: October 31, 2001 - 9:30 AM at Harper's Tavern
Welcome & Introductions
Persons Attending Meeting: Chuck Cravotta, Jim Boyer, Bob Arnold, Bill Achor, David Lasky, Betty Conner, Jo Ellen Litz.
Approve Secretary & Treasurer reports The minutes of the May and June meetings will be presented at the September meeting. There was no meeting in July. The Treasurer’s Report will be presented in September.
Announcements:
| Drought 2001: Voluntary Water Conservation urged. 8/8/01 DEP declared a drought watch covering 23 Central PA counties, including all or parts of Dauphin, Lebanon & Schuylkill Counties in the Swatara Watershed. Groundwater levels dropped below normal, streams are flowing well below normal, and soil conditions are dry. Visit SCWA's web site for conservation tips. |
| GreenWorks Gazette—A CD was received from DEP & the Environmental Fund with information on how families, students, businesses, schools, & farmers can protect their environment by recycling, buying recycled-content products, saving energy and protecting watersheds. |
| eNOTICE: At www.dep.state.pa.us under Citizen Services, you can click on and sign up for eNOTICE service with DEP. You will receive e-mail to let you know anytime a new permit application is received from someone in your municipality. You will know about comment periods, public meetings, hearings, and final decisions. |
| WatershedWeekly.org is a multi-media web cast about water-related projects throughout PA. You can register to receive monthly email updates.... |
| By August 30, Diane Wilson is requesting water quality related data pertaining to any water body in PA, which documents the non-attainment of the applicable water quality standard--303(d) list. (717)787-3730 or email diawilson@state.pa.us . |
| A Report on Sediment in the Susquehanna River is available at www.srbc.net/technical reports.htm. |
| SRBC Settlement with City of Baltimore hearing held 8/9/01 in Shamokin Dam PA. The 50 year settlement will allow an inter-basin withdrawal up to 250 million gpd from the Conowingo Pool. |
SCWA Business:
| The SRBC stream signage grant applications are due 9/30/01. BobArnold is working on completing the SCWA application. In cooperation with municipalities and other watershed organizations, we hope to have signs marking road crossings of the main waterways in the Swatara Watershed. The signs will have reflecting blue backgrounds with white reflecting lettering, and will be placed immediately before bridges of state-owned roads that cross waterways. We have talked with Jonestown Borough, and Union & Swatara Township officials about crossings on Routes 72, 22, and Jonestown Road. |
| C-SAW Application for Assistance from the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds will be processed through our RC&D council. |
| AT&T Wireless sent a letter stating, "providing free phones and donated airtime has reached its natural conclusion--and I wanted to let you know, well in advance of your next (Sojourn) event, that AT&T Wireless no longer donates free phones and airtime." Susan Ramsey |
| CANOE LAUNCH BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT with Carmeuse June 27, 2001 at Water Works. Report on cleanup filed with PA Fish & Boat Commission's Lori Brindel. |
| The Quittapahilla Watershed contract came from U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Clear Creeks Consulting. Since the Quittie didn't get the entire $323,876 needed for their watershed assessment, the project was broken down into Phase I and Phase II. Phase 1 costs $137,734 which is within their Growing Greener budget of $175,000. Contingent on future funding, a clause in the contract allows for completion of one or both Phases. More details are on file. Since the contract needed to be signed now, we took a vote of affirmation. Bob Arnold moved, Chuck Cravotta seconded , to approve the signing of the contract. Motion carried. |
| Received up-front DEP Growing Greener check of $70,000 for Quittapahilla Watershed work as outlined above. An Affirmation vote was taken to pay $33,407 to US Fish & Wildlife and $19,704.80 Rocky Powell. Bob Arnold moved, Chuck Cravotta seconded, to approve the transfer of funds. Motion carried. |
| An affirmation vote was requested to pay $6,801.88+ to Hedin Environmental for work completed on Streamlynx. It was moved by Bob Arnold, seconded by Chuck Cravotta, to approved the payment. Motion carried. |
| The DEP grant reimbursement for the Little Swatara Watershed Association equipment was received. We need to continue meeting with them occasionally. |
| Contour Bids were received for 20' intervals from 22 USGS 7.5-minute quads converted to a single, edge-matched ArcView 3.2 shapefile. Elevation included as a tribute. Includes both State Plane & Geographic (latitude & Longitude). Contract was awarded to Digital Data Services, Lakewood CO, Turn-around 20-25 workdays $10,295.00. It was moved by Chuck Cravotta, seconded by Bob Arnold, to affirm the awarding of the contract to Digital Data Services. |
| Forwarded/supplied requested information for the Swatara State Park study to Jean Ackers and others. To support an economic study of the area, lists of hotels, campgrounds and restaurants in the area of Swatara State Park were submitted. The consultant was surprised to find we have in excess of 300 rooms near the Park. |
| Now, similar to how our canoe trip was incorporated into the study of Swatara State Park, we are being asked to provide a list of groups who are willing to sponsor events such as cross-country skiing, an Envirothon, a bird day, a bicycle through the Park day.... Here's your chance to sponsor an event--Bologna Stompers, Audubon, Bike Club, High School Ecology Clubs, Federation of Sportsmen, and others. Please get back to me with your written intentions within two weeks. Include your organization's name, contact person, address, phone, suggested event, date and time. Ideally, events should not overlap but be spread out over a few months. Please be flexible if another group chooses the same day you suggest. A package proposal will be put together and forward to Simone Jaffe & Collins. |
| Finally, if you're not on the mailing list for Park updates, you can respond to litz@mbcomp.com and ask to be added to the list. |
| The Daily News called about activity on Swatara State Park. We reviewed SCWA's history too. |
| A project to open a channel for canoes at the Appalachian Trail Bridge was discussed. For canoeing in low-flow conditions, the rill just before the bridge could use a channel with six inches of water and no boulders. The project could be high maintenance if stones moved back into the channel in high water. Further, kayakers look for this kind of white water. |
| The first sign was installed for the Water Trail along the Swatara in Jonestown. Mayor Kauffman, Councilman Jason Kern and Jonestown Boro worker Gary Neasel installed the sign and did a swell job. There are plans to plant flowers at the base. |
| Derry Township will assist Tom Embich with installation of the Boat House Road Park sign. A press conference will take place. DCNR through grant advisor Terry Hough will release partial payment to purchase signs for all access points. |
| July 17, 2001, Lebanon County "cleaned up" at the PA Association of Conservation District Awards Luncheon. Swatara Creek Watershed Association Board Members Chuck Wertz, Betty Conner, Tom Embich, Jo Ellen Litz, and Bob Arnold accepted a statewide award for Watershed Stewardship on behalf of the entire community |
| Nominations of Individuals for Lebanon County Conservation District Awards are due by August 31. The categories are: Conservationist of the Year, Landowner of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Special Recognition Award for Conservation. SCWA nominated Hershey Foods as Land Owner, Leigh Beamesderfer as educator, and Al Winn for a media award. |
| Geologist Elly Triegel, Phd., stopped to review our file on Pine Grove Landfill. The zoning request to accommodate expansion was withdrawn. |
| Douglas Sweigart called with concerns about a sewage plant on Bow Creek. He says Donna Lebo and Marie Beaudet are on the Environmental Hearing Board and will follow-up with written details and/or want to come to our next meeting. |
| August 13 received call from Bill Miller concerning a rock wall across the Swatara at Mish's Mill. PA Fish & Wildlife responded. |
| A letter of recommendation was written on behalf of two board members, Karen Light and Richard Blouch, for their work at Ft. Indiantown Gap. More on this later. |
| Jo Ellen went to Arlington, Virginia for the first National Watershed Forum from June 27th through July 1st, 2001. The Forum was an unprecedented event designed to give voice to geographically, politically, and culturally diverse individuals who created a shared vision for the future of our nation’s watersheds. The event forged a stronger partnership between government and its citizens, to empower community residents to continue their progress in improving the health of their watersheds and to inspire government agencies to support the efforts of the growing community-based watershed movement. The Forum explored new directions for cooperative action to sustain watersheds into the next century and beyond by building on the efforts of Roundtables. The Forum provided delegates the opportunity to participate in peer-to-peer learning opportunities and to interact with experts and key decision-makers from around the country. Equally important, through interactive discussion groups, delegates to the Forum voiced their ideas and opinions for advancing watershed efforts. These discussion groups allowed delegates to deliberate and make recommendations on issues that the participants in Roundtables identified as pressing. |
| One outcome was renewed RC&D efforts being focused on developing a legislative champion for us. Deborah Alexander, Congressional Fellow--industry sabbatical from her employer to provide guidance to improve government--provided an outline of contacts |
| Wildflowers of Pennsylvania by Mary Joy Haywood RSM, Ph.D. and Phyllis Testal Monk, M. Ed., a full color publication, is available for $21.40 (includes tax). Local tie through photographer Virginia A. Phelps, member Gail Smith's aunt. |
| Gannett Fleming purchased a copy of our Rivers Conservation Plan. |
| An EPA bulletin was received outlining "How Will Climate Change Affect the Mid-Atlantic Region?" |
| PA INVEST program provided their interest investment history. |
| Copy of our Water Trail map sent to River Network, Portland Oregon for coverage consideration in their quarterly newsletter |
| Update on member Karen Light's health. She hopes to join us next month. |
| Zinn Insurance sent our $100,000 Blanket Bond Coverage renewal application covering the president, VP, treasurer and secretary. |
| Easi Acid Mine Drainage Project train is available. Call 50-729-2524. |
| In reference to our Little Swatara Farms grant, a DEP letter stated our Nonpoint Source Management 319 Grant for federal Fiscal Year 2002 was submitted to EPA to begin 10/1/01 with funding contingent upon final EPA approval. It was noted that DEP recommended projects usually get funded. |
| Notice was also received that the Conservation Kit Growing Greener grant was awarded to SCWA. |
| Thursday, August 23, the Schuylkill Conservation District in cooperation with the F&B Commission constructed a relatively new fish habitat structure called root wads on the Rhein Farm which is located along the Upper Little Swatara Creek about 2-3 miles above Sweet Arrow Lake. Stream Bank stabilization is the primary goal. The site is on a Dairy Farm with stream bank fencing since 1997. A $19,000 Growing Greener grant is providing funds which will not only stabilize the sections of stream which did not heal since the fencing but will also provide additional fish habitat. Work was done by a track excavator and stone was moved with a loader. |
Watershed News Articles:
| 4/11/01 a $1 trillion water bill, editorial, Patriot? |
| 6/1/01 Local Groups Participate in National River Cleanup Week, Bonnie Swinehart, Watershed Weekly |
| 6/2/01 Farmland the Cornerstone to our Ground Water Supply, Brent Landis, Lancaster Farming |
| 6/2/01 Northeast Diving Equipment Group finds local "Sunken Treasure" takes them back to the future..., Mari Conners, Weekender CoverStory |
| 6/6/01 Breaking the Bottleneck, City workers dredging the Hazel Dyke, John Latimer, Lebanon Daily News |
| 6/14/01 Landfill growth protested, Rory Schuler, Pottsville Republican |
| 6/15/01 Quittie Creek footbridge proposal comes under fire, Barbara Miller, Patriot News |
| 6/16/01 Panel advocates airport in Lebanon County, Tom Bowman, Patriot |
| 6/16 Sweet Arrow drained, Rory Schuler, Pottsville Republican |
| 6/21/01 DEP secretary Hess tours Pottsville subsidences, Nathan Dickinson, Pottsville Republican |
| 6/23/01 Tales of the Trail, Maria Herne, Pottsville Republican |
| 6/29/01 Stream Repair (WaterWorks Canoe Launch), photo by Christopher Millette, the Patriot News |
| 7/3/01 Landfill foes plan strategy, Tory Schuler, Pottsville Republican |
| 7/5/01 I-81 shut down after accident (dump truck), Frank Andruscavage, Pottsville Republican |
| 7/5/01 Jonestown, district ink pact (land swap near community park) Allison J. Petrozziello, Daily News. |
| 7/6/01 Governors award for Quittapahilla Watershed, Patriot News |
| 7/7/01 A True Friend of Lebanon (Mr. Bashore), Scott Ney, Weekender CoverStory |
| 7/8/01 Consultants mine park possibilities, John Latimer, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/10/01 Official: We're losing 15,000 gallons a day (West Lebanon), Jason M. Sipe, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/13/01 Farm group protests Heidelberg sewer plan, Mark Hoffman, The Daily News |
| 7/15/01 Down & Dirty, Life in the mines, (Joliett), Jim Lewis, the Patriot News |
| 7/17/01 Landfill opponents enlist help from Valley, Expansion of facility would threaten water supply, group says, Jose Legaspi, Lebanon Daily News |
| Landfill host fees cause county split, Commissioners argue over money, Jeffrey A Cohn, Pottsville Republican |
| New Map On Swatara Creek |
| 7/12/01 Sweet Arrow Anglers sponsor pan-fish tourney, Pottsville Republican |
| 7/14/01 Dam was never meant to be, Public Forum, Craig P. Moyer, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/18/01 Landfill withdraws plan for expansion, Jose Legaspi, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/23/01 Limestone Wells fight mine drainage, Life restored to Swatara Creek, Al Winn, Patriot |
| 7/24/01 Swatara Park needs a lake, Public Forum, Jo Ellen Litz, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/24/01 Carl Litz, PA Fish & Boat spreads stone on Quittapahilla bank, Photo by Barbara West, Lebanon Daily News |
| 7/29/01 Turtle's presence adds to concerns facing lake plan, Al Will, Patriot |
| 7/31/01 Group: (Muir Airfield) Expansion plans hazy, Jose Legaspi, Lebanon Daily News |
| 8/6/01 Mounds into Mountains, Pine Grove Landfill looks like pyramid, Rory Schuler, Pottsville Republican. |
| 8/12/01 Open Door Policy at landfill, Public Forum, Mark Harlacker, Lebanon Daily News. |
| 8/18/01 Cut water use, Pine Grove asks residents, Pottsville Republican |
| 8/18/01 Workers sop of Spills (Quittapahilla Creek), Sandy Lynn Brown, Lebanon Daily News |
| 8/20/01 Water Woes, editorial, Patriot News |
OTHER:
CALENDAR:
Thursday. August. 23, Schuylkill Conservation District & F&B Commission placing root wads on the Rhein Farm
August 27-31, Construction of Natural Channel Design Projects, Canaan Valley Institute, Genetti Hotel, Williamsport. Contact Paula Worden (800)922-3601 or email paula.worden@canaanvi.org
September 14 DCNR grant workshop, Harrisburg Holiday Inn West
September 15-19 Mid-Atlantic Governors' Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington VA
September 17, 7-9PM, DEP Pottsville District Office, 5 W Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, Source Water Protection (SWAP) program to establish protection priorities for potential pollution sources affecting drinking water.
October 5 & 6 2001 Watershed Conference @ Split Rock, Lake Harmony PA-Pocono Mtns.
October 27 Monitoring, Mentoring and More Jamboree, HACC, 9-11 AM. Call 717-78o-2393.
October 31 DCNR Snowmobile & ATV Grant applications due.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM
Next SCWA meeting: September 26, 9:30AM, Harper's Tavern
A "work session" and meeting were held June 27, 2001 by the Swatara Creek Watershed Association at the Water Works Canoe Launch in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. In attendance were: Bob Arnold; Glenn Blauch; Dick Blouch; Mac, Chaz, John, and Dorothy Burriss; Tom Embich; Stephanie Harmon; Warren Kessler; Jon and Jo Ellen Litz; Don, Eric, and Alex Mock; Chuck Wertz, Alexis, Hayley, Leah, and Rita Wilhelm; and John Worrilow. Please let us know if we missed anybody. Oh yes, Christopher Mellott from the Patriot came by and took some pictures.
At 9:30AM trucks started arriving from Carmeuse right on "Q". A total of 90 ton of "slide rock" were delivered to the Water Works. Warren Kessler skillfully maneuvered his backhoe along the bank to deposit the limestone where workers could lift, roll, push, or pry it into place. Stephanie Harmon brought extra work gloves. The first order of business was to hand-pack smaller stone under the steps. The cave-like hole was filled in short-order. Then the larger rocks were moved to the edge of the retaining wall. Shovels, rakes, pry bars, and hands were the main tools in use. Small stone was packed in between larger rock. When it got hot, and it did, workers took a break either in the shade of the overhanging trees or right in the Swattie. With the heat, it was important to keep hydrated. There was plenty of water to drink, apples, and good old Lebanon bologna sandwiches for nourishment. When the job was done, everyone felt a good kind of tired.
For those who aren't familiar with the Water Works, at one time there were houses along the Swatara, but persistent flooding eventually led to eminent domain purchases by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority who turned the land over to East Hanover Township. In turn, the PA Fish and Boat Commission became the steward of the 31 tracts of land measuring approximately 4,029' x 183' covering 21.796 acres off of Ono Road.
In other business, a DCNR resolution was approved for signing by acclamation for Growing Greener grant funds for projects such as the contours, and Water Trail signs.
In addition, Bob Arnold was appointed to write grants for larger "Stream Signs" along major highways like 422, 81, and 78 where the roads cross the Swatara Creek. The grant is available through the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Tom Embich, vice president, called the Swatara Creek Watershed Association meeting to order at 9:30 A.M.. Present were Tom Embich, SCWA V.P./Earth Steward; Richard Blouch, SCWA; Karen Light, Quittapahilla Audubon Soc.; Betty Conner, SCWA; Joseph Hovis, Ft. Indiantown Gap; Bill Achor, Dutch Country Farms; Craig Morgan Schuylkill Co. Conservation District; Ryan Koch, Schuylkill Co. Conservation District; Bob Arnold, Hershey Foods Corp.; John Worrilow, City of Lebanon Authority; Khervin Smith, DEP/Quittie Watershed Assoc.; Ann Marie Lasky, Quittie Watershed Assoc.; Charles Wertz, Lebanon County Conservation District; Bob Thomas, PA Game Commission.
Secretary’s report: The minutes of the April 25 meeting were reviewed. As there were no corrections, John Worrilow moved, seconded by Bob Arnold, that the minutes be approved. Motion carried.
Business:
Canoe Launch Beautification will be our next project on June 27, 2001 at the Water Works Canoe Launch site in cooperation with Carmeuse, Inc. A brief SCWA Board meeting will be held at 9:30 AM.
A Report was made on the May 5, 6 SWATARA CREEK SOJOURN SUCCESS: OLD FRIENDSHIPS WERE RENEWED, NEW FRIENDSHIPS WERE FORGED, THE DAYS WERE BEAUTIFUL, 6 TONS OF TRASH WERE REMOVED FROM THE SWATARA, AND THE WATER TRAIL WAS DEDICATED. In addition to the great coverage provided in the PA DEP's Environmental Update and Watershed Weekly, all of our local media was very generous in their coverage of the event. WLBR invited us to answer questions about the sojourn live on the Don Bowman show and Gordie Weise ran coverage on the hourly news broadcasts on both WLBR/WQIC. Jose Legaspi did an article of invitation to participate in the canoe sojourn. Then, Jason Sipe, new Lebanon Daily News reporter, accompanied us in a canoe for part of the trip. His color photograph and well-written article appeared on the front page of the Daily News. In the first week after an article appeared in the Patriot News Metro East section by Al Winn, over 100 requests were received for Water Trail maps. In addition to drop-ins at headquarters, we continue to receive four to six stamped, self-addressed, legal sized envelopes requesting maps each day. Sojourn photos will be posted on both the SCWA and POWR websites.
On May 5 PA Cleanways conducted a cleanup of trash in Swatara State Park with the assistance of local volunteers, including Karen and Richard Light. They collected 3 tons of trash and 128 tires, complementing the 6 tons of trash collected by the Sojourn canoeists.
The Swatara Creek Watershed Association will receive the Watershed Stewardship Award from the PA Association of Conservation Districts at their July 17 meeting in State College. SCWA representatives attending will be Jo Ellen Litz, Tom Embich, Betty Conner, Chuck Wertz and Bob Arnold.
Equipment for the Little Swatara Watershed Association, as budgeted in the Growing Greener Grant, has been purchased. The Request for Final Reimbursement and the Final Report are both due.
A check in the amount of $6112.50 was received from DEP for the Quittapahilla Watershed Grant Project. A motion passed to reimburse the Lebanon County Conservation District for their work.
GIS contour data layers are being completed by Mackin Engineering. A report was filed with Greater Harrisburg Foundation. We would like to do a press conference where we would demonstrate layers to sponsors, and invite municipalities who have provided resolutions to receive their GIS disk and Rivers Conservation Plan, or let municipalities know they can still provide a resolution to receive their copy of the material.
A letter was received from DEP requesting a representative to attend an Environmental Futures Planning Process Meeting for the Northern Watersheds in the DEP South Central Region on May 1 at 7PM at the SCRO.
A letter was received from SRBC notifying us of a public meeting for the Source Water Assessment of the Swatara Watershed to be held at the Lower Dauphin Middle School on June 12 at 7PM.
We received a packet of information from the PA Groundwater Association requesting an endorsement and support of legislation to protect groundwater.
RENEW AMERICA, which has listed the Swatara Creek Watershed Association in its Inventory since 1990, is changing its name to RENEW THE EARTH. We resubmitted SCWA’s application form.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
| June is PA RIVERS MONTH. The Governor’s Proclamation was read and posters distributed. |
| June 1 and 2: Abandoned Mine Reclamation Watershed Conference, State College. |
| June 4: Water Forum sponsored by DEP, DCNR, DCED, and Dept of AG., Quality Inn, 1363 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, 6:30 PM. |
| June 10 – 13: Water Environment Association 73rd Annual Conference, Penn Stater Conf. Center, State College. On June 11 from 2 to 4 PM Jo Ellen will participate in a roundtable with Robert Struble, Carol Collier and Paul Swartz. |
| June 14: Canaan Valley Institute Board Meeting. |
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.
TODAY’S SPEAKER: Bob Thomas, Bureau of Wildlife Management, PA Game Commission, spoke about the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and its significance for watershed and wildlife management. .
NEXT MEETING:
June 27. Meeting at 9:30 AM at the Water Works Canoe Launch Site followed by site work project
Watershed News Articles:
| 4/1/01 United Water Customers, Patriot News, flushing in Dauphin County municipalities. |
| 4/1/01 Area citizens unite to stop Pine Grove Landfill growth, by Rory Schuler, Pottsville Republican |
| 4/5/01Landfill expansion detailed as crowd of 60 shouts, jeers, by Rory Schuler, Pottsville Republican |
| 4/6/01 Decide on landfill on merits of issue. Emotion, fear have no place in debate, Pottsville Republican edictoral |
| 4/8/01 Barging Out, Union Canal crew crafts floating tribute, by John Latimer, Daily News |
| 4/8/01 Valley ready to quench its past water woes, by Joe Legaspi, Daily News |
| 4/12/01 Quittapahilla trash removal, Patriot News |
| 4/12/01 Plan for egg farm rejected (South Annville), by Karen Putt-Gibble for the Daily News |