The scope and magnitude of projects addressing the challenges facing the Greater Redstone watershed is undoubtedly large. Yet we believe this is a worthy and worthwhile endeavor which will be meaningful for this generation and future generations. Believing that a community-based and solution-based approach is the most effective, GRCI was established as a grassroots effort to garner public and private support and resources to begin remediation efforts.
With the help of funding through the Growing Greener program as well as local businesses, civic groups, and individuals, GRCI has completed or is currently involved in a number of major projects. Continued support and funding from all of these sources is necessary to assure the long-term viability of GRCI and continuation of our work to promote a healthy environment in Fayette County.
We recognize progress will be slower
than what we desire, but believe that we must begin the process.
Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) - Solutions
Currently, GRCI is involved in two major projects that will prevent a large amount of pollution related to AMD in the Greater Redstone watershed. These projects involve design and construction of treatment systems for the drainage emanating from abandoned coal mines. To learn more about these projects, click here.
Litter and illegal dumping - Solutions
The GRCI is involved in ongoing cleanup of litter and illegal dumpsites in the Greater Redstone watershed. To date GRCI has helped remove over six tons of trash from area streams, including 37 shopping carts and 94 old tires. These cleanups would not be possible without the participation and enthusiam of community volunteers. Notably, many students from Laurel Highlands Senior High School, led by teacher and former GRCI board member Kelly Kruper, have helped make these cleanups such a success. Their actions are already making a difference in our watershed. It is hard work, yet rewarding. We thank all participants in these cleanups as well as all municipalities who have provided proper disposal of collected trash. Teamwork makes it all happen. The responsible actions of these caring individuals today are molding the leaders of tomorrow.
Our next cleanup will take place in the spring of 2005... stay tuned for details!
Check out "Tools for Change: Everything You Need to Clean Up Your Community."
Pollution due to sewage represents a major challenge. Finding solutions to these issues requires collaboration among many parties and long-term thinking. While these issues may seem daunting, there are also actions that citizens can take on an individual level to help alleviate this problem. Proper management of septic and on-lot sewage systems. To date, GRCI has not undertaken any projects to address sewage pollution. However, GRCI provides education and raises awareness about the problem through community workshops and through this website, a key step in finding solutions to this problem.
Agricultural runoff - Solutions
Although GRCI has not directly undertaken any projects to reduce pollution from agricultural runoff, GRCI supports the ongoing efforts of the Fayette County Conservation District and other organizations toward this goal. In addtion, GRCI provides valuable education and raises awareness about these problems, including best management practices for agriculture in the watershed.
Urban and suburban runoff - Solutions
Pollution from urban and surburban runoff can largely be corrected through actions of concerned individuals. Don't overuse fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Clean up after your pet. Don't wash your car in the street, wash it on the lawn so the water can be filtered naturally by the soils and plants. Don't dump motor oil, paint, or other hazardous chemicals down the drain or storm drain. Contact your local municipality to find out how to properly dispose of these hazardous wastes. There are many other ways to reduce the negative impacts of your lifestyle on our environment.
Improper stormwater management - Solutions
GRCI promotes communication and collaboration among all municipalities in the Greater Redstone watershed with respect to stormwater management. GRCI recently began an effort with South Union Township, North Union Township, and the City of Uniontown to implement a federally mandated stormwater management program. Becasue we all live in the same watershed, what happens upstream affects those who live downstrem. Only by working together to implement strategies to manage our stormwater, can we most efficiently prevent problems in the future. Again, there is a need for education and to raise awareness.
Erosion and sedimentation - Solutions
Currently, GRCI is involved in a project that will place fence along approximately 6,000 feet of stream on a local farm. This will prevent direct livestock access to the stream and thus prevent stream bank erosion and pollution from livestock waste deposited in the stream. The GRCI also promotes implementation of other best management practices to prevent exessive erosion and sedimentation, such as proper maintenance of dirt and gravel roads.
