WATER ETNA ECODISTRICT
WATER February 2019
ETNA ECODISTRICT Ecodistricts focus on both the hardware or physical systems of places, as well as the software of social and cultural resiliency. The Etna EcoDistrict, along with its Triboro Ecodistrict partners in Millvale and Sharpsburg, is focused on six key areas of planning and strategic action: water, mobility, air, energy, food, and equity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: References to materials or processes developed by EcoDistricts®, and the Etna EcoDistrict are referred to as “EcoDistrict”, while the term ecodistrict without capitalization is used to refer to other districts, programs, and processes that are not the intellectual property of the EcoDistricts® organization.
Etna’s Water Vision
Etna is a resilient community that protects its people and waterways through creative water interventions.
4 | Etna EcoDistrict
ETNA’S WATER STORY Etna is part of the Pine Creek watershed. The watershed is 67.3 square miles in area, is home to 91,000 people, and spans across 14 different municipalities. Etna contributes only 1% to the total watershed area, however, all stormwater from the greater watershed must pass through Etna before reaching the Allegheny River.
Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and combined sewer overflows.
In 2018, Etna received 51% more precipitation than is normal. During heavy rain events the combined sewer systems become overloaded and sewage overflows into Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. Heavy rain events can also cause flooding and landslides. 23.5% of the buildings in Etna are located in or touch the floodplain, meaning that they are more suceptible to flooding.
Water quality affects human health and environmental health.
Etna’s drinking water contains low levels of contaminants and is lovingly regarded by residents for it’s superior taste. Fish and other animals reside in Pine Creek and require healthy water to survive.
Etna contains many water places.
Etna contains many water places where residents can interact with, appreciate, and enjoy water. Etna also contains places where we avoid interaction with water.
Etna Borough has taken significant actions related to water.
Green infrastructure planning and projects, a rain barrel program, streetscape improvements, participation in the Community Rating System, and the planned riverfront park all contribute to improving quality of life in Etna.
Etna residents and Water Champions are planning for the future.
June 2018 was “Water Month” in Etna. Residents came together to discuss water issues and opportunities as well as to develop Etna’s Water Vision Statement. WATER | 5
JUNE 2018 WAS WATER MONTH! The Etna EcoDistrict Education Series focused on a different Quality of Life Issue each month. 6 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna Water Education 49 Attendees June 5, 2018 The Etna EcoDistrict Education Series was an opportunity for attendees to develop a shared understanding of “water”, share information about the Borough’s water initiatives, and allow residents to share their own thoughts and opinions regarding water. The Education Session covered a variety of topics including: •
How does water move through our community? The effect of landform, slopes, open space, and more on water movement.
•
The history of water in Etna.
•
Where does the water come from? Information about the greater Pine Creek watershed.
•
What happens when there’s too much water? Information about combined sewer overflows, flooding, and increasing quantities of precipitation.
•
What is the quality of our water? The effect on drinking water and ecological health.
•
Water places in Etna. Places to interact with water and places where we avoid contact with water.
•
Etna’s water initiatives. The inspirational and beautiful work being done by the Borough to increase flood protection and improve quality of life.
At the beginning of the session, attendees shared their “Etna Water Stories”, and several individuals shared their stories with the greater group. Many stories touched on the delicious drinking water in Etna, shared experiences during flood events, and enjoyment of the nature trail and Pine Creek. Following the presentation, attendees wrote their ideas for Etna’s water future on comment cards, and several individuals went on a tour led by Mary Ellen Ramage through the Borough.
Photos by evolveEA & Robert Tuñón WATER | 7
Etna Water Champions 15 Attendees June 11, 2018 Following the Education Session, a group of 15 individuals who are particularly passionate about water attended the Champions Meeting to have a more indepth conversation about Etna and water today, and to craft a vision for Etna’s water future. The Champions Meeting consisted of an in-depth discussion about the following topics: •
The content covered during the Education Session.
•
The Water Stories, Water Vision Statements, and general comments from the Education Session attendees regarding Etna’s water future.
•
Building values and sales for properties in the floodplain compared to those that are not.
•
Floodplain insurance.
•
Building flood protection options.
Following the meeting, two attendees (Deaglan McManus and Megan Tuñón) volunteered to craft Etna’s Water Vision Statement, informed by the conversation, and present it at the next Education Series meeting. The Champions crafted the vision statement thoughtfully and intentionally. “Resilient” is used because Etna has and will continue to prepare for and bounce back from adverse events. “Protects” is used because Etna residents no longer want to be the victims of their position within the watershed, but instead want to be the protectors of residents and the waterways. “Creative” is used because Etna has already shown leadership in green infrastructure projects and will continue to show leadership as they develop thoughtful, functional, and beautiful water interventions. The vision statement they developed is written below.
Following this discussion, the Water Champions broke up into two groups to discuss what Etna’s Water Vision Statement should be. Through the discussion, a few themes emerged, including: •
The Borough no longer wants to be a victim at the bottom of the watershed, but a protector of the watershed.
•
How to continue the momentum of existing projects and initiatives.
•
Better connecting people to enjoy water.
WATER VISION STATEMENT Etna is a resilient community that protects its people and waterways through creative water interventions.
Photos by evolveEA 8 | Etna EcoDistrict
WATER | 9
The ecodistrict process is intended to empower and activate residents by providing them with the information and tools necessary to envision Etna’s future and then to achieve it. For this process to be successful, evolveEA, ECO, Etna Borough, and residents must listen to one another and work together to have open and honest conversations and share knowledge and resources. An essential part of this process is asking for and 10 | Etna EcoDistrict
integrating community thoughts and expertise into the process. The adjacent page shows the results of the vision cards and Etna Water Stories that informed the Water Champions’ conversations, Etna Water Vision Statement, and will ultimately inform the EcoDistrict Protocol Roadmap. Key themes from this feedback were quantified. The number or size of the theme reflects how many responses related to that theme.
ENJOY NATURE TRAIL & PINE CREEK
ETNA EVOLVING
TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS VIA RAILROAD
18
3
2
6
SEWER BACKUPS & OVERFLOWS
ETNA ECODISTRICT INITIATIVE
5
6
GROWTH IN BUSINESS DISTRICT
RIVERFRONT PARK/TRAIL
9
FLOODING
Other Responses: Streetscape improvements; Water recreation; Little libraries
FLOODING
19 responses
POOL
I’m excited about...
4
I’m concerned about... 14 responses
Other Responses: Landslides; Water privatization; Wasting water; Not having equal access to pool because of the cost; Water pollution; Equity related to who owns and develops land in Etna
My Etna Water Story 36 responses
Other Responses: Home damage (3), Drinking water (3), Building community and friendships (3), Stormwater management (3), Water recreation (2), Wildlife (1), Water supply (1), Allegheny River (1), Water pollution (1)
3
10
Photos by evolveEA & Robert Tuñón WATER | 11
Pine Creek Watershed
Pine Creek
West Little Pine Creek
Pine Creek Sub-Watersheds Pine Creek Little Pine Creek Gourdhead & McCaslin Crouse Willow Montour North Fork Fish Run
East Little Pine Creek
Ohio River Watershed
ETNA’S WATER CONTEXT Etna Borough has a close relationship with water. Source: WPRDC, Allegheny County, Etna GI Master Plan Demonstration Project, Pine Creek Watershed Implementation Plan 12 | Etna EcoDistrict
Marshall Township
Pine Township
18.30% of watershed area
Richland Township 9.90% of watershed area
1.43% of watershed area
Bradford Woods Borough
0.81% of watershed area
Franklin Park Borough 5.74% of watershed area
McCandless Township 19.32% of watershed area
Hampton Township 22.29% of watershed area
Indiana Township 4.83% of watershed area
Ross Township
2.14% of watershed area
Shaler Township
11.70% of watershed area
O’Hara Twp.
2.08% of watershed area
Fox Chapel Borough 0.45% of watershed area
Sharpsburg
0.02% of watershed area
Etna Borough
1.00% of watershed area
82.6% of Etna’s land area is The Pine Creek watershed located in and contributes to is 67.3 square miles in area. the Pine Creek watershed. Pine Creek contains approximately 128 The remaining 17.4% is located in and contributes to the Ohio River Watershed. Pine Creek is a 22.8 mile long tributary to the Allegheny River. East and West Little Pine Creeks lead into Pine Creek.
stream miles. The population within the watershed is estimated at 91,000 people, split between 14 municipalities. Etna contributes only 1% to the total watershed area and is the only combined sewer community of the 14. WATER | 13
Pine Creek at Dougherty Nature Trail
Allegheny River from site of future Etna Riverfront Park
Etna contains several water places where residents can interact with, appreciate, and enjoy water. Water is essential to human life and as humans we have an innate need to connect with water. Providing 14 | Etna EcoDistrict
Community Day at Etna Community Pool
places where people can interact with water can support our mental health, physical health, help to build community, and grow an appreciation for the water that keeps us alive and provides beautiful places in Etna for us to enjoy.
Pine Creek at 28 Bypass
Pine Creek at Dewey Street
There are several places in Etna where we avoid interaction with water. As development patterns began to evolve in Etna, Pine Creek was pushed and covered in strategic locations to allow for more buildings and
CSO Outfall at intersection of Dewey St. and Butler St.
infrastructure. In many cases, these choices have protected Etna places from flooding. However, it has also resulted in areas where Etna turns its back on water, acting as though we do not want to interact with it but rather remove it from the Borough as quickly as possible. Photos by Robert Tuùón WATER | 15
The Hampton Shaler Water Authority (HSWA) provides Etna with drinking water. HSWA obtains ~91.2% of its water supply from wells, pumping from a large aquifer beneath the Allegheny River and some of the surrounding area (Pittsburgh’s “Fourth River”). Etna’s drinking water is lovingly referred to by residents as the “best drinking water in the region” and water quality reports provided to the PA EPA by HSWA tend to agree with that claim. The report produced for July - September 2017 shows that tap water provided by HSWA is in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards and contains lower levels of contaminants and lead than water provided by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. However, these tests occur at the water treatment facility and tap water may pick 16 | Etna EcoDistrict
up additional contaminants as it moves through the service lines to Etna. To determine the quality of the tap water in an Etna residence, perform a home water quality test (provided by HSWA). What is in Etna’s water? Water quality tests have proven that Etna’s water is healthy to drink. However, HSWA has detected five contaminants above health guidelines. These contaminants could be caused by agriculture, industry, water treatment byproducts, runoff and sprawl, and several may be naturally occurring. As for lead, 90% of water samples measured below 2.0 ppb (the legal limit is 15 ppb). What is in Pittsburgh’s water? PWSA detected six contaminants above health guidelines. For lead, 90% of samples measured below 22.0 ppb (the legal limit is 15 ppb).
HSWA provided water quality test
The quality of our waterways effects animals, plants, and local ecosystems. Pine Creek is designated as a cold water fishery from its source to North Park Lake Dam and a Trout Stocked Fishery from the North Park Lake Dam to its mouth. It is important to keep water quality high to preserve these and other animals that rely on water for life. Trout are a very sensitive species and even slight changes in water quality will affect their ability to survive. It is important to remember that every living organism on this earth needs water to survive, and the choices we make about water can have a far-reaching impact. In 2009 and 2016, water quality tests were performed at several locations along Pine Creek and the results
found the water to be “fair” at eight sites, “poor” at one site, and “good” at one site. Testing was performed at three locations in Etna. The results from Pine Creek behind the laundromat (near the intersection of Grant Ave. and Dewey St.) were found to be “fair”, and the other two locations were inconclusive. High chloride levels have not affected drinking water, but are beginning to effect macroinvertebrates. This is caused by legacy contamination from fossil fuel extraction, stormwater runoff, and combined sewer overflows. While this contamination has not yet effected the local ecosystem and is not considered unhealthy, these conditions should continue to be monitored and sources of pollution should continue to be reduced.
Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, HSWA Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2017), Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Robert Tuñón, Pine Creek Watershed Implementation Plan (2009) WATER | 17
A-68 CSO outfall into Allegheny River Stormwater Inlets & CSO Outfalls
ETNA’S WATER ISSUES While we have made strides, we still have some challenges to overcome. 18 | Etna EcoDistrict
Stormwater Inlets & CSO Outfalls Pine Creek CSO Outfalls Stormwater Inlets A-68 CSO Outfall
Sewer Pipes
Etna is a combined sewer community, meaning that the system contains both stormwater and sewage.
Etna has eight areas where combined stormwater and sewage overflows into Pine Creek.
The system becomes overloaded with only 1/10” of rain, which causes Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).
An estimated 83 million gallons of sewage overflows into Pine Creek and West Little Pine Creek annually, or 13.6% of the total yearly sewer flow.
CSOs cause sewage overflows into Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. Stormwater enters the combined sewer system through inlets and overflows into waterways by way of CSO outfalls.
The Borough also has a number of smaller dedicated municipal storm systems that are redundant to the combined sewer system.
Sewer Pipes Less than 10” 0” - 20” 21” - 35” More than 36” Pipe connection to a building (diameter unknown)
Source: Three Rivers Wet Weather, Etna GI Master Plan Demonstration Project (Buchart Horn + Landbase Systems); Photo by Robert Tuñón WATER | 19
Flood Risk
Another consequence of heavy rain is flooding. Many buildings in Etna experience basement flooding, roads can flood, and Pine Creek can spill into adjacent land.
20 | Etna EcoDistrict
Flood Risk Floods Frequently (Floodway Area) Floods Sometimes (Flood Zone AE - 100 Year Flood Risk) Floods Rarely (Flood Zone X - 500 Year Flood Risk)
The likelihood of flooding in certain areas is described by a flood map.
Flooding is most likely when the Allegheny River crests beyond 26 feet.
The adjacent map shows areas that are predicted to flood frequently (floodway area), flood sometimes (zone AE - 100 year flood risk), and flood rarely (zone X - 500 year flood risk). The information in this map is a depiction of the official public source for flood hazard information produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Pine Creek is likely to cause flooding when it rises above 14 feet. The Borough has real-time water gauges on their website to track water level in Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. Many residents and emergency response personnel reference this website, or have downloaded these gauges to their computer or cell phone to track flood risk so that precautions can be taken.
The flood zones are determined based on topography, elevation, and proximity to waterways and may change periodically based on flood improvement projects. A building’s location within one of the threementioned zones will determine if and how much flood insurance is required of that property by federal law. It must be noted that actual conditions during heavy rain events may differ from the FEMA flood map and caution should be exercised whether or not a building is located in a flood risk area. Also, while certain zones are labeled as “100-year risk”, these labels are now outdated and heavy rain events occur much more frequently than once every 100 or 500 years.
Sources: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, Etna Borough WATER | 21
How much flooding would a 100-year flood cause?
7 ft. of flooding 4 ft. of flooding
1 ft. of flooding
5 ft. of flooding
1 ft. of flooding
Flood Risk Water Depth
A catastrophic flood would cause millions of dollars in damage. 23.5% of the buildings in Etna are within or touch the 100-year floodplain. These properties are worth over $44 million (33.9% of the total value in Etna). 22 | Etna EcoDistrict
Flood Risk Water Depth Floods Frequently (Floodway Area) Floods Sometimes (Flood Zone AE - 100 Year Flood Risk) Floods Rarely (Flood Zone X - 500 Year Flood Risk)
Owning property in the floodplain can be costly due to flood insurance. Given the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for a 100-year storm in Etna, buildings in the floodplain may experience 1 - 7 ft. of flooding during these storms. The Borough of Etna participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes federally backed flood insurance available for all eligible buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not. However, flood insurance premiums are rising. By law, every property in America that falls within FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Areas must hold a flood insurance policy until their mortgage is fully paid off, and in recent years individuals have seen their annual premiums increase by up to 25%. As heavy rainfall events become more common, this is an issue that will severely affect low-income homeowners located in the floodplain. Fortunately, due to significant flood protection efforts taken by the Borough, Etna residents pay 15% less for flood insurance.
On average, with a 15% discount (see page 29), Etna residents spend $757 or
2.0%
of their annual household income on flood insurance premiums.
Flood risk
1 - 7 ft. (approximately)
Lastly, new construction and redevelopment projects located fully or partially within the floodplain must abide by stringent requirements to reduce contribution to stormwater runoff and to minimize risk of flood damage. These requirements are detailed in Etna’s Stormwater Management Ordinance (No. 1378) and in Etna’s Floodplain Management Ordinance (No. 1353).
Sources: FEMA National Flood Layer, Etna Borough, Allegheny County Property Assessments, Will Doig, Next City, 2017, ValuePenguin, 2018 WATER | 23
Etna has a history of flooding, but due to the hard work and determination of the Borough and residents, the community is resilient. 1936 During what is known as the “St. Patrick’s Day Flood”, Etna experienced flooding of up to 15 feet in certain areas. Several Etna buildings were severely damaged and had to be rebuilt or renovated. The flood caused millions of dollars worth of damage, cost seven people their lives, and left approximately 150 individuals homeless. Following the flood, most Etna residents lacked access to water, gas, and light due to serious damage at the municipal plant. Thousands of Etna residents packed into schools, churches, and club rooms to receive aid from the Red Cross.
2004 In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan struck the nation’s east coast and drenched the Pittsburgh area, hitting Etna, Millvale, and several other rivertowns hard. The Hurricane caused flooding of up to 5 feet in lower Etna and as much as 7 feet in the Borough Building and other locations in the community. The aftermath of the storm left buildings flooded and some were destroyed. There was mud throughout the streets and several landslides occurred. Allegheny County classified over 4,800 parcels as “flood-damaged” and 900 people had to stay in shelters due to the condition of their homes post-flood. At least 90 people from the Pittsburgh area were hospitalized due to flood-related injuries and one person lost their life due to drowning. Other flood events of note occured in 1911, 1922, 1925, 1972, and 1986.
Source: Etna Centennial, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
1936
2004
24 | Etna EcoDistrict
In 2018 the Pittsburgh area received 51% more precipitation than the 30 year mean. In 2018, Pittsburgh received 57.8 inches of precipitation, with the most precipitation occurring in February, June, and September. Historically, the Pittsburgh area has received closer to 38.2 inches of rain per year, with a more even quantity of precipitation spread out across the months. This is an issue that has progressively become worse and will continue to get worse in the coming years. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, CSOs, and landslides.
“Average annual precipitation in Pennsylvania has increased 5 – 10% in the last century, and precipitation from extremely heavy storms has increased 70% in the Northeast since 1958.” EPA, August 2016
Rainfall from January - December 2018 Total: 47.30” Monthly 30-Year Mean Total: 38.19”
Rainfall in 2018 compared to the 30-year mean 7” 6” 5” 2018 monthly totals
4”
30-year mean
3” 2” 1” Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Source: National Weather Service Pittsburgh Climate Data WATER | 25
Sewer Catchment Areas
Impervious Area
Soil Types
CSO Outfalls
ETNA’S WATER INITIATIVES We have done some amazing things with water in Etna! 26 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna Green Infrastructure Master Plan Demonstration Project Buchart Horn & Landbase Systems, 2014 The Etna GI Master Plan aims to reduce flooding through costeffective projects. To take action against flooding and reduce risk in Etna, the Borough of Etna engaged Matt Graham of Landbase Systems and Donald Newman of Buchart Horn to create the Etna GI Master Plan Demonstration Project Report in 2014. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of green infrastructure projects as a way to reduce flooding and reduce or eliminate the need for new gray infrastructure projects (constructed elements such as new pipes, pumps, etc). In addition, the methodology used for this study is intended to be replicated in other communities to evaluate their green infrastructure options. Informed by the Borough’s priorities, available funding, and green infrastructure (GI) opportunities, the study established five phases of GI projects for Etna (consisting of 23 sites) and a future phase that includes up to 26 sites. If the 23 sites identified as part of the first five phases were to be implemented, the study estimates that up to 16.1 million gallons of stormwater runoff could be captured and prevented from entering the combined sewer system each year.
It is estimated to cost $6.1 million to implement all 23 sites, which is an approximate cost of $0.38 per gallon (including streetscape components that are not performative but are more decorative). If the future phase of 26 sites was implemented in addition to this, then the study estimates that up to 39.4 million gallons of stormwater runoff could be captured and prevented from entering the combined sewer system each year. The Borough found value in commissioning this study because stormwater management is essential to the water quality in Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. As stormwater travels over paved surfaces it picks up grit and debris including salt and other pollutants and deposits them into the combined sewer system or into the ground. Collecting this stormwater at its source helps to eliminate this from happening. Minimizing the quantity of stormwater runoff that enters the combined sewer system reduces the frequency and intensity of combined sewer overflows, therefore improving water quality in Pine Creek and the Allegheny River. Doing so also improves drinking water by reducing pollutants in the ground water. This study has already resulted in several green infrastructure and flood improvement projects throughout the borough, and continues to guide improvements moving forward. The study was financed through a grant administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
Source: Etna Green Infrastructure Master Plan Demonstration Project, Etna Borough WATER | 27
28 | Etna EcoDistrict
The Borough of Etna has implemented two phases of Green Streetscaping so far.
PHASE I Before (above), After (below)
The first phase involved reconstruction of the east side of Butler Street between Bridge and Freeport Streets, as well as the reconstruction of the north side of Freeport Street between Butler Street and Union Alley. This phase involved installation of 12 street trees, 2300 cubic feet of underground storage that promotes infiltration, 3900 square feet of pervious pavers, downspout disconnection, and restatement to new conveyances and related work. The second phase involved reconstruction of the south side of Butler Street between Winschel and Freeport Streets as well as the reconstruction of the south side of Freeport Street between Butler Street and Cherry Alley. This phase involved installation of 9 street trees, 2400 cubic feet of underground storage in two locations that promote infiltration, 1800 square feet of pervious pavers in Love Alley, a “Rain Park� at 14 Freeport Street, downspout disconnections and restatement to new conveyances and related work. Phase 2 also included planting areas adjacent to the municipal parking lot on Winschel Street.
PHASE II Before (above), After (below)
These streetscape projects will help to reduce flooding in Etna by capturing stormwater in strategic locations, retaining it, and allowing it to infiltrate the ground instead of flood streets and/or contribute to combined sewer overflows. Together, these two phases of Green Streetscape manage 1.14 million gallons of stormwater runoff. Source: Etna Borough WATER | 29
30 | Etna EcoDistrict
Etna’s flood improvement initiatives provide residents with a financial benefit.
Etna Borough has implemented several other flood protection initiatives.
One way that Etna’s initiatives have provided residents with a financial benefit is through the Borough’s rain barrel program. Etna installed seven residential rain barrels in 2017. Rain barrels are a $365 value, but the Borough is providing them for a reduced rate depending on an Etna household’s income. The cost is as follows:
Etna has received a $1.3 million DEP grant that went towards flood protection efforts. This grant included:
• • • •
$35,000 or less: Free $36,000 - $50,000: $50 $51,000 - $100,000: $100 More than $101,000: $150
All approved installations, including acquisition of residential downspout disconnect, receives $5 off of their sewer environmental surcharge fee every two months (an annual savings of $30) for up to three years. In addition to this, Etna is one of three communities in Allegheny County that participates in the Community Rating System program (Etna joined in 1996). The program provides an opportunity to lower the community’s class rating through a series of volunteer initiatives (which can lower flood insurance rates). A “community class rating” refers to how vulnerable a community is to flooding, with 10 being most vulnerable and 1 being least vulnerable. Etna began as a Class 10 Community, but as of 2018 has moved to a Class 7 Community – which allows for a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums to anyone in Etna purchasing insurance.
• $700,000 to raise a railroad bridge by 18”. • $124,000 for a floodplain widening and stream bank stabilization project (resulting in the creation of the Dougherty Nature Trail). • $70,000 for the installation of two large flap gates at sewer overflow points to prevent backups into the sewer system and to reduce sewer overflows into Pine Creek. • $18,000 for the removal of dead and decaying trees along Pine Creek’s stream bank in Etna and Shaler Township. • $40,000 for the installation of a debris catcher at the Parker Street natural storm run and installation of additional drainage facilities at this location. • $15,000 for a low spot correction on Long Alley (overtopped easily due to creek bank erosion), which was restored and raised with natural materials. • $38,000 for the replacement and encasement of the main water feed line, which serves one-half of the community, because it had been exposed to floating debris during a high water event.
In addition to the DEP grant projects, Etna has also completed the following flood protection efforts: • $500,000 supplied through a Penn Vest loan was used for major sewer repairs. • CDBG funding was used for five sewer projects, including sediment filters and other sewer line repairs. • $12,000 is spent annually to clean out the West Little Pine Creek Silt Catching basin (which is part of the West Little Pine Creek Army Corp. of Engineers Flood Control Project). • $30,000 is spent annually on catch basin cleaning. • $10,000 is spent annually for the cleaning of the inverted siphon on the sewer system, which is part of the flood control project.
Additional funding has been provided to disconnect the Shaler Township Park Avenue storm sewer, which reduces the impact of stormwater downstream in Etna, as well as the School Street Biofiltration System. Source: Etna Borough WATER | 31
The planned Etna Riverfront Park is an opportunity for Etna to reconnect with its neighbors. The site for the planned Etna Riverfront Park and Trail is a unique urban site that has the potential to become a community treasure and a key link in a regional trail system along 32 | Etna EcoDistrict
the Allegheny River. The site is being designed by Environmental Planning & Design, and will offer views up and downstream, passive greenspace, and act as a critical link in further connecting the regional trail systems. The proposed park features a grandstand, pavilion, scenic overlooks, a trail head, Educational Audubon Area for bird habitat, and green stormwater management.
Source: Etna Borough, Environmental Planning & Design, Etna Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) WATER | 33
Etna Borough playground rain garden
HOW YOU CAN HELP! Here are five things you can do tomorrow... 34 | Etna EcoDistrict
1. Purchase and install a rain barrel from the Borough of Etna.
Contact the Borough Office to learn about how you can particpate in the program.
2. Plant trees and other vegetation.
Plant trees and other vegetation in your yard and volunteer with the Borough to bring more street trees to the community.
3. Test your drinking water. Request a free water quality testing kit from HSWA to ensure that your water is clean and healthy.
4. Develop a flood emergency plan.
Create a flood emergency plan with your family so that everyone knows how to safely react during a heavy rain event. This should also include purchasing flood insurance and safely storing valuables.
5. Conserve water.
Conserve water whenever possible, whether it be turning the water off while brushing your teeth, only running full loads of laundry, or reusing rainwater to clean your car!
WATER | 35
ETNA ECODISTRICT Cover Photo: Pine Creek flows into the Allegheny River. Photo by Robert Tuñón. Funding provided by Henry L. Hillman Foundation. The Etna EcoDistrict is supported by
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