Posts tagged Schuylkill RIver
Salt on the Roads: Good for Safety, bad for the environment…
Jan 12th
As we dig out from another winter storm here in the Northeast–and road crews work to stay on top of the snow–we’re all focused on getting around safely. Whether we’re driving, cycling (yup, people still do, despite windchills and slippery ground), or navigating on foot, clearing roads and sidewalks quickly and effectively is a primary concern.
And that means we’re using all kinds of salt. Nothing does the job as well or as economically–but we’ve been going overboard without thinking about where the salt goes. We’re after the plusses, but aren’t tuned in to the negative effects.
Remember last winter’s massive storms and those images of front loaders dumping snow into the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers? That snow is loaded with the salt and sand that gives us traction on the roads. What about the snowmelt that washes into the storm drains? You guessed it: this runoff is also loaded with salt–and it may be heading straight into local creeks, rivers, and streams. Studies are showing that sodium levels in waterways all across the country have been rising–and that’s not a good thing. Plants and fish are being adversely affected; in fact, the entire aquatic ecosystem is being thrown out of whack.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sandy Bauers wrote a good piece about the problem over the holidays. In case you missed it, you can find the article here >>
She draws from a study by the US Geological Survey that says salt deicing can turn waterways toxic to aquatic life. Check it out here >>
Thought provoking stuff. We want everyone to be safe out there, but let’s use our salt wisely. Like it or not, all of our actions have some unintended effect…
Not sure where you line up on the debate on drilling for Natural Gas? Hear Philly Water Department’s take…
Dec 8th
There’s so much polarizing debate going on around the issue of drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation that it’s hard to know what lies ahead. On one side, there are those who see the “gasrush” as nothing less than economic salvation; on the other, those who believe environmental disaster is imminent and drilling must be prevented no what the opportunity cost. There are a ton of far smarter minds than ours weighing in, yet we tend to believe that somewhere along the line we must reach a middle ground and PROCEED SLOWLY, AND WITH EXTREME CAUTION, because it’s pretty clear we’re not getting to a 100% renewable energy future anytime soon…
Kelly Anderson and Paula Conolly of the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) will present an overview of PWD’s approach to source water protection and what steps are being taken to address the challenges presented by natural gas drilling in the Schuylkill and Delaware River basins–the source of Philadelphia’s water supply.
Please RSVP by December 13. For reservations or more information, please call 215-685-0723. More Information at FWWIC website >>
As a prelude to the program, you might want to Remember The River by tuning in to a video we created for our tireless friends at the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. It’s mainly derived from a pair of our beautiful documentaries, Life on the Delaware and PA: A River Sojourn. Both are available now on DVD. Go to the Shop >>
Remember the River from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.
Lend a Hand at the Plymouth Creek Restoration Project — and Help the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers along the way
Aug 24th
The Plymouth Creek restoration project is an excellent example of cooperation in action and demonstrates how applying stormwater best management practices (BMPs) can have a positive downstream effect. In case you haven’t seen it, check out our video on the project’s first phase, which took place in Fall 2007.
Plymouth Creek Restoration Project from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.
If you want to see how the restoration effort is holding up, what better way than visiting the site and getting involved. Here’s your chance:
Plymouth Creek Restoration Project Workday
Friday, September 10th & Saturday, September 11th, 2010
9:00 am – 2:00 pmYou are invited to join the Montgomery County Conservation District and partners in an effort to stabilize the stormwater BMPs, perform invasive species control, and provide general maintenance at the Plymouth Creek restoration project.
The site is located below the Cracker Barrel at 2095 Gallagher Road in the Metroplex Shopping Center in Plymouth Meeting.
Please dress appropriately and bring gloves. Some heavy lifting involved.
Please RSVP here>> by September 8th if you are planning to attend.
Impact of Storms on Water Quality on Triathletes Minds
Jun 21st
As 4,500 athletes prepare to converge on Philadelphia for this weekend’s Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon, all eyes will be on the skies, in hopes that no serious storms hit the area within the 24-48 hour period leading up to the race. First up in the event’s swim-bike-run format is a swim in the Schuylkill River–which, contrary to popular belief, is surprisingly clean.
As of mid-day Monday that is, when Philly RiverCast indicated the Schuylkill’s water quality was Green, or suitable for all activities. Here’s what it’s showing right now:
The problem is, the water quality in our rivers and streams can drastically change when we’re hit by a storm.
Why? When it rains, the dirt, animal waste, and other contaminants that build up on the surface of the ground or pavement are washed off into the streams and rivers. Though there is more water in the streams and rivers during storms, there are more contaminants as well. That’s not only a problem for triathletes, rowers, and anglers, but for the entire ecosystem that’s linked to a watershed’s health.
It’s no wonder we’re so wrapped up in promoting better stormwater management by pushing for Buffer Legislation, working with the Philadelphia Water Department to highlight the City’s Green Infrastructure movement, and continuing to grow our flagship program, StormwaterPA.
Check out these efforts and learn more about the things you can do to prevent water pollution.
