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PA American Water Joins Mon River Stakeholders To Protect Water Quality
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Pennsylvania American Water said Thursday the newly formed Monongahela River Users Group is a collaborative approach to address environmental issues related to the river, such as the need for increased monitoring and analysis of water quality.
“The overall health of the Monongahela River watershed is vital to the quality of water we provide to our customers, as well to the many industries that rely on it to support their businesses,” said Paul Zielinski, Pennsylvania American Water’s Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance. “We’ve organized this group to examine the effects of increased activity that could play a role in compromising the health of the Monongahela River watershed and the quality of this regional source of supply.”
The group, which was established in September of 2010, meets on a quarterly basis and includes the Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the River Alert Information Network (RAIN), the Allegheny County Health Department, other water utilities, various industrial users, Marcellus Shale gas drillers and power companies.
“Each of these organizations brings a unique perspective to the importance of this river,” said PA DEP Assistant Southwest Regional Director Ron Schwartz. “These meetings provide attendees with insights into non-reported events within the watershed and offer the opportunity to have a more complete picture of factors that might affect water quality.”
According to Zielinski, Pennsylvania American Water’s focus is to develop better collaboration among stakeholders to recommend strategies and coordinate actions to address complex challenges within the watershed. The effort includes coordinating with stakeholders located along the lower Monongahela River in West Virginia.
“Together, we can closely examine and protect the Monongahela River Watershed to ensure drinking water quality for our customers and its availability to support the many businesses and industries that depend on it,” added Zielinski.
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8/8/2011 |
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