May 15, 2005
Tribune-Review
Seniors delve into creek
Volunteers from an environmental corps study the Redstone watershed.
A team of senior volunteers has begun to monitor water quality in Redstone Creek.
The volunteers are investigating the impact of a discharge from an old coal mine located not far from Uniontown Area High School, near the train tracks along Cinder Road in South Union Township.
The volunteers are part of the Monongahela River Senior Environmental Corps, an organization that taps into the environmental ethic, expertise, and commitment of senior citizens.
The five volunteers that make up the team include Roy Giovannelli, the team leader, of Perryopolis; Arthur Bucchianeri of Belle Vernon; Fred Clausner of Perryopolis; David Olinzock of Star Junction; and Joe Walko of Belle Vernon.
The team is working in conjunction with the grassroots watershed organization, the Greater Redstone Clearwater Initiative, which plans to
use the data collected to better understand pollution sources in the watershed and to develop remediation projects.
One of the major purposes of the Environmental Corps water-monitoring project is to establish a baseline history of waterways draining to the Monongahela River.
The river is a source of drinking water and recreational opportunities for many residents of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Senior volunteers monitor the chemical, physical, and biological health of selected stream sites, including an intensive habitat assessment.
The Clearwater Initiative and the Environmental Corps plan to train other volunteer teams to monitor other sections of the watershed.
While the program is directed toward senior volunteers, interested individuals of all ages are encouraged to participate. The only requirement is that they care about improving the community and environment.
For more information or to get involved, call Clearwater Initiative representative Brian Chalfant at 724-984-7758, e-mail him at bchalfant@yahoo.com, or access the Web site at www.grci.org.
