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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has taken action against Pennsylvania American Water (PA American) for a sediment release into Roaring Brook, Lackawanna County in February.
The Consent Order and Agreement (COA) calls for PA American to complete over $300,000 worth of work along the stream, to continue the cleanup of the sediment, and conduct monitoring for any long-term impacts.
Through the COA, PA American will implement a Plan of Action, approved by the DEP, and a Plan of Study that includes continued removal of sediment in the creek, additional monitoring for sediment, and a twice-yearly survey on the impact of the sediment on Roaring Brook and the Lackawanna River.
Also, as part of the COA, PA American is undertaking a Community Environmental Project (CEP) that will provide in-stream habitat enhancement features and stream bank stabilization. The value of the work is estimated to exceed $300,000 and is in lieu of a civil penalty against PA American.
“Every Pennsylvanian has the right to clean water, and the Shapiro Administration is making sure that right is protected by the actions the Department is taking today,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “If companies cannot meet their responsibility to not harm a waterway, then they will face consequences, and in this case, a public benefit will result from those consequences.”
On Feb. 4, 2024, DEP was notified of large amounts of sediment in the creek that stretched for over one mile. It was subsequently determined by DEP staff that the sediment had been released through valves located on the Dunmore No. 7 Dam during rehabilitation work by PA American. Those valves had not been opened for several years, and a large amount of sediment had built up behind the dam. DEP also determined that the spill entered the Lackawanna River.
The COA calls for PA American to remove excessive sediment from areas of Roaring Brook downstream of the dam, along the Myrtle Street Pump Station, and near a basin by Cedar Avenue. PA American also agreed to monitor Roaring Brook for additional sediment removal.
In addition to those actions, PA American will perform a cause-and-effect study to determine the impact of the release on both Roaring Brook and the Lackawanna River. PA American will also submit semiannual reports to DEP for three years after completion of the dam rehabilitation project.
The CEP includes PA American making the following improvements along Roaring Brook:
• Installation of fish habitat: J-hooks, random boulder placement, and other fish enhancement structures approved by the Department.
• Stream-bank stabilization along Roaring Brook.
• The construction of educational features: providing landscape features of native plantings and signage explaining benefits to educate the public.
• Handicap access: provide a fishing deck with handicap access along Roaring Brook with handicap accessible parking.
The COA calls for PA American to apply for the required permits for the work within 120 days of execution of the agreement, and for construction to begin within 45 days after receiving the permits. Construction is anticipated to be completed within one year of issuance of all required permits.
Work on the original dam rehabilitation project is continuing. DEP has approved a plan by PA American to install a temporary bypass for water flow through an existing point above the sediment level and below the dam spillway which will minimize the potential for another sediment release. The last part of the rehabilitation project involves replacing two 150-year-old valves; DEP is waiting on a plan from PA American to review for that work.
Back Woods Bass Results
Week of June 17
Bob Strunk reports results from the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Wednesday night Lunker Tournament, the Back Woods Bass Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament and the Monday Night River Tournament.
Monday Night River Tournament
1st Place: John Centak/Chet Williams, 7.67 lbs
Also won Lunker Award, 1.97 lbs
2nd Place: Matt Miller/Breandan Angley, 5.80 lbs
3rd Place: Tim & T. J. Pearson, 5.70 lbs
4th Plavce: Joe & Wyatt Fredrick & Dan Lukashewski, 5.70 lbs
5th Place: Bob & Sheldon Strunk, 4.53 lbs
Harveys Lake Wednesday Night Lunker
1st Place: Dustin Sult 2.76 lbs
2nd Place: Joe Simko 2.69 lbs
3rd Place: Jake Seymour 2.50 lbs
4th Place: Cody Cutter 2.45 lbs
5th Place: Dave Brill 2.43 lbs
6th Place: Justin Kubilus 2.43 lbs
7th Place: Mike Borton 2.32 lbs
8th Place: Joe Zombek ll 2.16 lbs
9th Place: Kevin Seymour 2.10 lbs
10th Place: Bobby Avery 2.00 lbs
Harveys Lake Friday Night Tournament
1st Place: Pete Sulla/John Caldwell 11.27 lbs
Also won Lunker Award, 3.93 lbs
2nd Place: Randy Ritsick/Chris Stefalo 9.71 lbs
3rd Place: Josh Colarusso/Larry Armbruster 7.38 lbs
4th Place: Silas & James 7.37 lbs
5th Place: Dennis Knecht 6.32 lbs
6th Place: Bob Strunk/Bruce Bonham 3.56 lbs
Rivers Are Life teams up with Trout Unlimited
to help inspire, equip youth for new program
Rivers are Life this week announced a new partnership with Trout Unlimited, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of cold water rivers and streams for the benefit of healthy water and healthy trout and salmon fisheries.
The partnership will kick off with Rivers are Life being the official cleanup sponsor for Trout Unlimited Expeditions, which are place based experiences for teens and college students to volunteer and educate themselves on local watershed issues.
In its inaugural year, Trout Unlimited Expeditions will host two, 10-day trips over the summer. These expeditions are meant to inspire a diverse coalition of staff and volunteers to care, advocate for, and recover lands and waters that have been negatively impacted.
This summer, expeditions will take place across Wyoming at the below dates/locations:
• Trip 1: June 16-25 (cleanup day is 6/22 Green River, Wyoming)
• Trip 2: July 11-20 (cleanup day is 7/18 Saratoga, Wyoming)
As the official cleanup sponsor, Rivers are Life will provide cleanup kits for each expedition to be sure attendees are properly equipped to improve the river ecosystems they are inhabiting for the week.
These unique cleanup kits were designed using 100% recycled materials and made durable to be repurposed and reused for years — leaving no negative impact on the environment. Each cleanup kit consists of an upcycled clean up bags, a 32” foldable litter picker and litter picking bag hoop, all which are made with and from recycled fishing gear, ocean plastics, and boat sails.
Scenes from the 20th Senatorial District
photo gallery celebrates community, creativity
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, this week announced that she is inviting residents of the 20th Senatorial District to showcase their photography skills and capture the beauty and unique character of the community by submitting their favorite shots for inclusion in the “Scenes from the 20th District” photo gallery.
Participants are encouraged to submit their best photographs that highlight the natural landscapes, community events, historical landmarks and everyday life within the district, which includes all of Pike, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties and substantial portions of Luzerne and Wayne counties.
“Our district is rich with natural beauty and vibrant communities,” Baker said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to share their perspectives and showcase what makes our area so special. I am excited to see the creativity and talent of our local photographers.”
To enter, participants must complete the online submission form and upload their photos via the link. All submissions should be original, high-quality images that reflect the spirit of the district. Photos must be taken by residents of the 20th Senatorial District, within the boundaries of the district.
All photos will be shared in the Scenes from the 20th Senatorial District photo gallery and may also be featured on Baker’s social media channels and in various district publications. One photo will be selected to be featured in Baker’s e-newsletter each week.
For more information about the contest, visit senatorbaker.com or contact her office at 570-675-3931.
Appalachian Trail Hall Of Fame
induction scheduled for Sept. 21
The Appalachian Trail Museum announces that the 2024 Class of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame will be honored at the A.T. Hall of Fame Induction on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Induction will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held at the Army Heritage Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle.
The induction ceremony will be a free event, but registration is required due to limited space. To register, send an email to atmbanquet@gmail.com.
The induction ceremony will be one of a full schedule of events taking place during the Hall of Fame weekend.
As previously announced, the 2024 Hall of Fame class honorees are the late Edward B. Ballard of Washington, D.C.; the late Arno Cammerer of Arlington, Virginia, the late Raymond Hunt of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Ronald S. Rosen of Poughkeepsie, New York.