Allegheny County
Watershed Illegal Dump Assessment and Cleanup Project
PA CleanWays of Allegheny
County is implementing a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Growing Greener Grant Project titled: Allegheny County Watershed Illegal
Dump Assessment and Cleanup Project.
Pollution
near and around watersheds is a problem in Allegheny County. Whether
it is refuse from a fisherman or an illegal dump site littered with
tires and construction debris, pollution not only destroys the environment,
it is destructive to the morale of the community and ultimately affects
property values and impacts the safety of the residents. Without the
identification of these hot-beds for illegal dumping, the problem will
perpetuate itself.
Our
project entails developing and implementing an illegal dump assessment
and clean up project targeting sites adjacent to the major water systems
in Allegheny County. The targeted waterways are: Chartiers Creek, Nine
Mile Run, Streets Run, Little Sewickley Creek, Pine Creek, Deer Creek,
Montour Run, and Plum Creek. Establishment of key strategic partnerships
with municipalities, watershed organizations, community groups, outdoor
clubs, concerned students and residents, public officials and youth
groups is a key component for this project.
An
assessment of each illegal dumpsite within the identified watersheds
is needed to provide the basis for public education and outreach and
as a benchmark to assess progress in cleaning the identified watersheds
of illegal dumping. The research provides the background data needed
to develop a site-specific cleanup plan. By cleaning these illegal dumpsites,
the amount of non-point source water pollution is decreased and ultimately,
eliminated. Other goals of the program include: public education about
the problem and impact of illegal dumping and watershed protection,
empowerment of residents to clean up their local watershed, increased
value for property owners, reduce physical hazards to people and wildlife,
reduce potential liability for property owners, and cultivate an appreciation
of our water resources.
PA
CleanWays of Allegheny County will receive $32,049.00 over a three-year
period for their work.
If you know of an illegal dumpsite in your area, please complete
our online illegal dump survey.
