Presort Standard Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 63 Ligonier, PA
110 Andi Lane Ligonier, PA 15658
Currents
Currents
Winter 2010
Winter Birdseed Sale
To Be Continued… First Phase Completed in Saxman Run Project road boring. As the boring machine made it over half-way through the railroad grade, an old piece of trolley line that was apparently buried in the grade fill when the line was created decades ago, was encountered, breaking the machine’s drill bit and halting the process.
W
Winter Birdseed Order Form Enclosed!
Loyalhanna Watershed Association Board of Directors LWA Staff Drew Banas, Executive Director dbanas5@verizon.net
President:
Joshua Whetzel
Vice-President:
Dr. Hugh Brallier
Treasurer:
Paul Vittone
Susan Huba, Program Manager slhuba@verizon.net
Secretary:
Patricia Slack
Cathy Johnston, Office Manager lwa1@verizon.net
Henry Armstrong
Ormand Bellas
Dr. J. Conrad Bures
Dr. Henry Croft
Phone: (724) 238-7560
William Danchuk
Floyd Eiseman
Fax: (724) 238-7681
Christopher Elkus
Herb Gundy
www.loyalhannawatershed.org
William Knowles
Todd Simonds
Contact Us
Stanley Stein
ith the winter we have been having, it’s time to re-stock your supply of birdseed from LWA! We are pleased to offer a wide variety of premium seed for sale at our semi-annual fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, February 27. Enclosed with this newsletter, please find an order form containing seed information and prices. The amount of seed available for the sale is limited, so preorders are required for specialty seed. All pre-orders must be placed by February 18th. To place an order, complete and return the enclosed form, stop by the office, or call (724) 238-7560. We still have a supply of 20 and 40 pound bags of LWA’s Custom Mix available for you to purchase anytime—just stop in!
In This Issue: • Recycling Returns to Ligonier! • 2010 YCC Crew Applications Available February 15th • Partnership Benefits Latrobe Community • A Year to Volunteer!
8
The crew from R&L Development Company work to complete the pipeline boring under the Norfolk Southern Rail Line.
C
onstruction officially began on the longanticipated Saxman Run Mine Drainage Treatment and Hydroelectric Project on October 15, 2009. R&L Development Company of New Alexandria, under the direction of Rich Myers, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, was hired as the primary contractor for the project. The first phase of the project, which has been in the works for over five years, was completed in less than a month thanks to the expertise of the construction crew, led by project foreman Harry Ridilla. The 1,600 foot , 24” HDPE (high density polyethylene) pipeline was constructed in 100-foot sections and was fusion-welded together before it was buried along the existing right-of-way of the Derry Township Municipal Authority sewage line. Two stream crossings, as well as a boring under Lattanzio Road and a 180’ boring below the Norfolk Southern Railroad, were necessary to connect the pipeline. An intricate manifold structure, boasting six impressive red valves, was designed to capture the water flowing from the three pipes making up the Upper Saxman Run discharge and direct it into the main pipeline.
“When I got to the site on Monday morning, I knew something happened when Harry greeted me with the comment, “Good thing you were off on Friday”, LWA Project Manager, Susan Huba, remembers. “With the obstacles we have faced in this project, I was not surprised that something like this happened—what are the chances that piece of track was exactly where we needed to go!” After withdrawing all of the steel casing, and backfilling the 30” hole made by the boring, a second boring was attempted, just two feet from the first one. This time, it was successful The first phase was officially completed when the pipeline was connected, and the valves were turned on to divert the flow from the discharge through the pipeline. The Upper Saxman discharge can now be seen flowing near the Latrobe Municipal Authority Wastewater Treatment Plant, through a temporary stream channel. The final phase of this project involves the installation of the hydro-turbine, which will occur when the winter weather clears. The project should be officially completed by this spring.
Everything was going as planned, until the key part of the project was underway—the rail1
The capped Upper Saxman Run Discharge.
Winter 2010
Currents
It’s Back! Recycling Returns to Ligonier
L
igonier area recyclers received an early Christmas present in November, thanks to the efforts of LWA. With the facility to close due to the elimination of the program by former recycling hauler, J.M.S. Recycling, LWA was able to secure a permanent hauler for paper recycling and glass bottle recycling. Some significant changes are in effect, however, from the previous program that all recyclers need to be aware of.
Ten new paper recycling bins are now in place at the Ligonier Valley recycling facility.
The bins had only been in place for a few days, and already several items that are not permitted in the bins, including a television, had to be pulled out by LWA employees. First and foremost, NO CARDBOARD, is accepted under the new program. Items that are accepted through the Abitibi Paper Retriever Program are:
If you have questions about the Ligonier Valley community recycling program or the electronics recycling program, call the LWA office at (724) 238-7560.
• • • • •
Newspaper and Inserts Magazines, Catalogs Office/School Paper Shredded Paper (in a plastic bag) Junk Mail (including window envelopes) Items that are not accepted include: • Corrugated Cardboard • Cereal boxes, soda boxes, other food containers • Hard cover books, text books • Phone books • Wrapping paper/tissue paper
• • •
The glass bin, provided by Bradish Glass, Inc., of Greensburg, can be used to recycle your clear, brown, and green glass bottles only. Bottles must be clean, and all lids and wire must be removed before sorting them by color into the appropriate open-top recycling bin. Please keep all items loose—no bags or boxes.
L
Expenses incurred through the program
F
rom the time LWA’s annual events begin in February with the winter birdseed fundraiser, to when the last car pulled out of the Fort Ligonier Days parking lot, individuals, groups, and businesses from around the watershed pitched in to support our organization. Community and Education initiatives in 2009 included: Spring and Fall Macroinvertebrate Collections, The Fourth Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup, The Third Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup, Winter and Fall Birdseed Fundraisers, Annual Art Auction Benefit, Fort Ligonier Days Parking, Electronics Recycling, Ligonier Valley Community Recycling, Stream Bank Erosion Projects, and countless other efforts. LWA volunteers are truly one-of-a-kind, and our events would not be possible without their support. A special THANK YOU to all of those involved!
“The most important thing now is that recyclers act responsibly and follow the guidelines clearly posted at the facility”, reminds Executive Director, Drew Banas. “We are happy to bring some recycling back to the community—it is up to everyone else to keep it going.” The paper bins will be emptied on a twoweek rotation, so recyclers are asked not to leave any items on the ground if the bins are full, but return at a later time. Any illegal dumping, including adding unwanted recyclables to the bins, will be cause for the bins to be removed.
include hauling costs implemented by the program’s recycler, USA Lights of Hyattsville, Maryland, which averages around $3,000 for 20,000 pounds recycled every two months or so, and other miscellaneous costs of packaging and storing materials housed in the LWA facility. While half of the total cost is covered through a DEP Household Hazardous Waste reimbursement grant, LWA is responsible for providing funding for the other half. Because of this, LWA developed a fee schedule for the most commonly recycled items to cover the costs of recycling them. 2
LWA Volunteers Go Above and Beyond in 2009
While a recycling hauler could not be found for plastics or metals, LWA feels the current program is better than the alternative of having no program available for residents of the community.
New Charges in Effect for Electronics Recycling WA began charging for it’s popular “ECycling” program in October due to a decline in funding that previously supported a portion of the expenses associated with recycling obsolete or broken household electronic items. The program began in 2003 as a way for concerned area residents to dispose of these items in an environmentally safe manner. To date, nearly 300 tons of materials have been recycled through the successful program.
Colored paper Carbon paper Sticky notes
Winter 2010
Currents
Current Fees: $2.00
We apologize for any errors or omissions.
YES! I am interested in becoming an LWA volunteer for the following: Please circle as many options as you would like:
CPUs, Servers, Desktop Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines, VCR/DVD Players, Stereos/Receivers, Paper Shredders, Battery Backups, Box of Miscellaneous Small Items
Birdseed Fundraiser
Macroinvertebrate Collection
Roadside Cleanups
River Cleanups
Ligonier Valley Recycling
Electronics Recycling
Fort Ligonier Days Parking
Art Auction Fundraiser
$5.00
Trail/Garden Maintenance
Office Assistance
Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Typewriters/Word Processors, Stereo Speakers
$10.00
Copiers, Large Printers
Televisions are not accepted
Name ____________________________________
Email ____________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number _____________________________
Mail Form To: LWA, 110 Andi Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658 7
Winter 2010
Currents
Trout in the Classroom “Up and Swimming “ at Area Schools
Winter 2010
Currents
Erosion Project Improves Four Mile Run
LWA partnered with FTTU to develop the program and obtain funding to purchase the equipment needed to transform a standard 55-gallon aquarium into a freshwater mountain stream at each school. A start-up grant was provided from the Ligonier Valley Education Trust for the Ligonier Middle School Program last year, with addition funding to maintain the program in 2009 from Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited. The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds awarded LWA a $2,000 grant to implement the program at Greater Latrobe this year, including funds to support a field trip to Linn Run to release the trout.
O
n November 4, nearly 200 students from Ligonier Valley Middle School and Greater Latrobe Area Junior High School received a unique FedEx package—a cooler packed with over 300 brook trout eggs!
Members of LWA and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy installed single log deflectors, multi-log deflectors, modified mud sills, and in-stream boulders on two bitterly cold days in early December. Plans for the project were developed by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, Habitat Management Division. Natural stream structures, such as log vanes, were installed to stabilize the eroding banks and encourage sediment deposition.
Students participating in the program at Greater Latrobe Junior High School have created their own Website featuring a “Trout Blog” that contains updated pictures and stories about their experiences with the project. Check it out at www.glsd.k12.pa.us, and click on the “Our District” then “Trout in the Classroom” links.
The eggs were provided by the PA Fish and Boat Commission for the Trout in the Classroom educational programs running at each school, under the direction of LWA and Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited, and participating teachers, Lynn Adamerovich (LVMS) and Carole Wright (LJHS). Trout in the Classroom is a nationally recognized program that was developed by Trout Unlimited to provide elementary and middle school-aged students with a hands-on opportunity to experience an aquatic ecosystem in their own classrooms. From November to May, students will work to raise brook trout from eggs to fry in their classroom aquariums, before releasing them into Linn Run during a spring field trip experience.
hanks to a grant received from DEP’s Office of Water Management Program, stream bank erosion prevention and fish habitat improvement structures were recently installed on approximately 330 feet of stream bank along Four Mile Run near Darlington. Not only were stream banks severely eroded, but there was danger of a garage eventually being destroyed due to erosion action.
The severely eroded banks along Four Mile Run were endangering the stability of nearby houses and garages.
This program provides a tremendous opportunity to get students interested in the outdoors and experience a first-hand glimpse of why clean water is so important and what they can do to keep it that way. From the day the trout eggs arrive, the students are responsible for taking care of the young fish and working hard to maintain a quality environment so they can survive. In doing this, the students learn to appreciate their own environment as well.
Each school was provided with sophisticated equipment to transform their classroom aquarium into a freshwater mountain stream.
T
A total of five bank erosion prevention projects were installed this past year and twenty such projects have been built in the upper watershed over the last four years, thanks to the participation of a number of organizations including Western PA Conservancy, Westmoreland Conservation District, Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited, and the PA Fish & Boat Commission.
Youth Conservation Corps Applications Available February 15th
For more information on this program, or how your school can participate next year, contact the LWA office!
I
f you or someone you know are between the ages of 16-18 and are interested in contributing to the preservation and restoration of the land and waters within the Loyalhanna Creek Watershed as a summer job, then the Youth Conservation Corps is for you! The 2010 YCC Program will run from June 21 to August 13, with an opportunity to work 37.5 hours per week completing projects throughout Forbes State Forest, Linn Run State Park, and the Laurel Highlands region. Crewmembers are also given the opportunity to experience several environmental education outings with various organizations, such as the PA Game Com-
Students in both schools will participate in daily aquarium monitoring, including maintaining the aquarium temperature at a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, and pollution indicators such as chlorine, ammonia, and nitrates. They are also responsible for maintaining the aquarium equipment, feeding the fish, and removing any dead fish daily.
A 450’ section of Spruce Run Trail was repaired by last year’s Crew.
mission and Western PA Conservancy.
A unique aspect of the program features monthly classroom sessions led by Susan Huba, LWA Program Manager, and Monty Murty, FTTU President and Trout in the Classroom advisor, on a variety of topics including trout biology, watersheds, fly tying, and macroinvertebrates. Guest speakers, Ben Wright and Alysha Trexler from the Western PA Conservancy Freshwater Conservation Program, recently presented a special session on coldwater conservation and current projects they are working on to improve our watershed as a highlight of the program this year.
Greater Latrobe Junior High School seventh grade students, Nick Patrick and Adam Ridilla, carefully move the brook trout eggs into the aquarium after they arrived at the school on November 4.
6
The 2009 Crew enjoyed a private tour of Fallingwater after spending a morning working with the grounds crew.
3
YCC accomplishes needed conservation work in State Forests and other recreational sites, natural areas, and outdoor public facilities and trails. Throughout the program, individuals involved will develop a unique understanding and appreciation of our local natural resources. Funding for the program is provided by the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation. Applications will be available starting February 15 in the guidance offices at Ligonier Valley, Laurel Valley, Greater Latrobe, and Derry Area High Schools, in the LWA office, and on our Website at www.loyalhannawatershed.org.
Winter 2010
Currents
25th Anniversary Art Auction an Overwhelming Success!
T
he 25th annual celebration of LWA’s art auction benefit proved to be worthy of it’s “Silver” anniversary status, and many of those who attended commented that it was the best event in auction history!
Program Manager Susan Huba admires the festive decorations before guests arrive.
The stunning view from the auction setting at Laurel Valley Farm, partnered by excellent weather, set the tone for the evening.
It was a glorious late-summer evening at the new event setting, Laurel Valley Farm, with outstanding décor, perfect weather, enthusiastic crowd, and delectable dinner. Even with the significant changes from previous events, everything came together for a spectacular event. Over 160 guests enjoyed an open bar and hors d’oeuvres reception while browsing and bidding on items in the Silent Auction. Featured pieces included a one-of-akind silver pendant of a barn owl, created by artist Kathy Boyle, depicting the logo of the former “Wildlife Master’s Art Show”, and Rita Haldeman’s “View From Laurel Valley Farm,” an oil on canvas that captured the amazing view from the setting of the event. A family style dinner with locally grown produce, catered by Laurie’s Sweet Dreams Catering, featured scrumptious, hearty portions of roasted pork loin with caramelized apples and braised onions, chicken Marbella, red potato and green bean salad, and roasted beets. Following dinner, auctioneer William Omalacy kicked-off the Live Auction featuring twelve original pieces from past and present artists involved with the auction, including Dix Baines, C.D. Clarke, Ned
Shirey Farm Protected
Ewell, Bud Gibbons, Rita Haldeman, Walter Matia, Michael Mosorjak, Ernest Muehlmatt, Lee Steadman, Bob White, and the late Charles Pitcher. Bud Gibbons felt so inspired when he arrived at the event, that he created a second piece for the Live Auction that dried during dinner.
T
hanks to the efforts of LWA and several private funders, the former Shirey Farm Property between Route 30 West and Old Route 30 West was purchased by LWA last summer. The property was formerly owned by Missy’s Foundation, and was sold to LWA through bankruptcy court proceedings. LWA purchased this strategic piece of property on the western gateway of Ligonier to protect it from future development. The parcel was originally purchased by the former owners to construct a large church and education center. LWA is currently working with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to place a conservation easement on the property to protect it in perpetuity.
Without the dedication and creativity of the 2009 art auction committee, comprised of members Drew Banas, Nancy Brallier, Cindy Danchuk, Robert Hepler, Susan Huba, Peggy King, Wink Knowles, David Miller, Patricia Slack, Tara Vittone, Joshua Whetzel, Janet Winters, and Margot Woodwell, the evening would not have been as successful, and memorable as it was. A special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Whetzel who graciously offered their scenic farm and barn to host the event. Additional thanks to the Whetzel Family Charitable Trust and McFeelyRogers Foundation who underwrote the event, Patricia Slack, who underwrote the cost of the beautiful flowers provided by Ambrose Farms, and to Cindy Danchuk and Nancy Brallier who underwrote framing costs for two of the silent auction pieces. Plans are already in the works for the 2010 event, tentatively set for September 18, 2010. For more information on the benefit, please contact the LWA Office at (724) 238-7560.
Silent Auction pieces displayed at the event.
Mark Your Calendars! •
Winter Birdseed Fundraiser (February 27)
•
Spring Macroinvertebrate Collection (April—May)
•
4th Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup (April 10)
•
Westmoreland Earth Day (April 24)
•
5th Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup (May 1)
•
Annual Dinner Meeting (May)
•
Youth Conservation Corps Program (June 21– August 13)
•
“Where in the Watershed Tour—Part 2” (July 23) 4
Winter 2010
Currents
Partnership Benefits Latrobe Community
C
onstruction on the Upper Latrobe Abandoned Mine Drainage Project is in full swing, and when the treatment system is completed this Spring, the City of Latrobe will not only benefit from a cleaner Loyalhanna Creek, but in constructing the project, two other worthwhile community efforts were supported. Three settling ponds and an expansive wetland area were constructed last fall as part of this project to remediate a 500 gallon per minute abandoned mine drainage (AMD) discharge polluting the Loyalhanna Creek. The discharge and treatment system are located on property owned by LWA along the Loyalhanna Creek in Latrobe. In order to construct the system, over 12,000 cubic yards of alluvial top soil needed to be removed from the site. When discussions on this project started a few years ago, another concurrent community project was identified that would have use for the soil. Latrobe-Unity Parks and Recreation was developing plans to construct a new recreation facility on the former National Guard property located near the Latrobe Area Hospital and brewery, and needed soil to construct soccer fields and re-grade some of the land for other facilities as part of the Cardinal Park Project—a perfect fit for the excavated soil!
An excavator from C.M. Construction works to get another load of soil ready to deliver to Cardinal Park.
“It was a win-win for everyone involved and it is wonderful that three important projects for the Latrobe community are moving forward,” said Susan Huba. “What a great example of the good things that can happen when different organizations work together.” It was estimated that the amount of soil donated to the Cardinal Park and Legion Keener projects saved over $100,000 in material costs, had the soil been purchased from a private supplier.
Jeanne Ashley, Executive Director of Latrobe-Unity Parks and Recreation, worked with Susan Huba, LWA Program Manager, and Jim Okonak, Executive Director of the McFeely-Rogers Foundation to organize the details of the soil removal. Miraculously, the project timing was perfect, and more than 760 truckloads of soil were delivered to the Cardinal Park and Legion Keener Park expansion project sites.
Thank you to all of those involved with these projects, especially to Harry Ridilla for allowing LWA to use a right of way through his property, without which none of these projects would have moved forward. For more information on these projects, contact LWA at (724) 238-7560. 5