Download the Special EAC Awards Feature attached to this webpage.
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More than 70 local Environmental Advisory Councils were represented at their eighth annual conference at The American College last week.
Environmental Advisory Councils are formed by municipalities appointed to work to protect the environment in their communities. There are over 100 councils throughout Pennsylvania.
At the conference, four Councils were also given recognition for their efforts over the last year by DEP Water Resources Management Deputy Secretary Cathy Curran Myers and Pennsylvania Environmental Council CEO Andrew McElwaine.
The Achievement Award winner received $500 and the three Honorary Mentions received $250. This year, these groups were recognized (and see the special photo feature attached to this webpage)—
Kennett Township EAC, Delaware County: The Council worked with the Brandywine Conservancy and other partners in the community to identify and prioritize natural and cultural resources as part of an effort to update the township’s comprehensive land use plan. Some of the products produced included a series of maps showing resources throughout the community and recommendations on areas of the township that should be protected. Their partners included the Kennett Township Land Trust, Chester County Planning office, Stroud Water Research center and the Red Clay Valley Association. Kennett Township received the 2005 Achievement Award.
East Vincent Township EAC, Chester County: The Council sponsored a Computer Recycling Day which resulted in collecting nearly 300 old computers and components. Some residents said they were storing their electronic equipment for 30 years because they didn’t know how to get rid of it properly. The council is looking into expanding the program to include microwave ovens, cell phones and TVs. East Vincent received Honorable Mention.
Upper Dublin Township EAC, Montgomery County: The Council worked with upper Dublin School District to design a program to educate the public about stormwater management issues. With the help of students, they designed a stormwater pamphlet which they distributed at a variety of community events, including Earth Day and Election Day, and delivered house to house. Upper Dublin received Honorable Mention.
West Hanover Township EAC, Dauphin County: The Council did the research and background work needed to start a community recycling program in the Township. Recycling is not mandated in the community by Act 101. A recycling drop off center was established that took everything from the typical newspapers, glass and aluminum cans, to motor oil and leaf and yard waste for composting. As a result of these efforts, the Township has a recycling rate of over 35 percent. West Hanover received Honorable Mention.
For more information, visit the Environmental Advisory Council website.
(contributed by Jeanne Barrett Ortiz and Blair Davis, PA Environmental Council)
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