DEP Announces 4 Grants To Reduce Stormwater Pollution, Restore Streams, Install Buffers In Beaver, Dauphin Counties

On January 3, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of 4 Growing Greener Grants to install a riparian buffers and stabilize a stream bank in Beaver County and reduce stormwater runoff pollution in Dauphin County.

Beaver County

A $94,800 grant was awarded to the nonprofit Stream Restoration Incorporated to stabilize 500 feet of streambanks and install 800 feet of riparian buffer along Raccoon Creek in Beaver County.

The project will reduce sediment pollution by an estimated 500 tons per year. The project also includes an extension to a recreational trail and removal of invasive species.

“Improving stream habitat – by stabilizing streambanks and planting buffers – also improves recreation opportunities through better access and better habitat,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

Dauphin County

A $272,840 grant was awarded to the nonprofit Capital Area Greenbelt Association, Inc. to design and permit a 1.4 mile stretch of stream restoration along the Parkway Creek in Dauphin County.

The project will eliminate an estimated 293,336 pounds of sediment, 445 pounds of phosphorus, and 491 pounds of nitrogen from entering the creek annually. This project will build upon past projects completed by the association which were also funded through the Growing Greener Program.

A $170,000 grant was awarded to Dauphin County Commissioners to remove and dredge 241,000 cubic yards of sediment and restore 90 acres of freshwater marsh at Wildwood Lake. The project will reduce streambank erosion in the lake and improve stream quality and flood protection.

A $15,000 grant is awarded to the Derry Township Municipal Authority to expand and retrofit two existing undersized detention basins in the township’s Oakmont development. The estimated annual reduction of 29,895 pounds of sediment will improve downstream water quality.

The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees and a transfer from the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund.

Click Here for more information on DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.

Resources

For more information on buffers, financial and technical assistance available, visit DCNR’s Forest Buffers and DEP’s Stormwater Management webpages.

New DCNR Grant Round

To learn more about grant opportunities to support riparian buffer, trail and recreation projects, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant Program webpage. A new grant round is opening January 22 and will close April 10.

Forest Buffer Summit

Registration is now open for the DCNR and Western PA Conservancy Pennsylvania Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 at the Best Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg.  Click Here for more.
(Photo: A riparian buffer being installed along Raccoon Creek, Beaver County.)