The Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the winners of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Program which were included in the May 30 Digest. But, the finalists selected in that program also deserve recognition for their good work. Here are two more for your consideration.

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion, celebrate the achievements of nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, individuals, governments, and community groups that have made significant environmental contributions in the western Pennsylvania region.

Amerikohl Mining, Inc., Indiana County

In 1997, Amerikohl purchased several hundred acres of property in Rayne Township, Indiana County from the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company. The property contained millions of tons of coal refuse along the banks of McKee Run, as well as two abandoned mine discharges, which had effectively killed the aquatic life in the stream.

While its primary goal of purchasing the property was to sell the coal refuse as co-generation fuel, Amerikohl went beyond its responsibilities and initiated an abandoned mine drainage remediation project that would benefit the stream and the community.

Not only has the coal refuse been removed for beneficial purposes, with the land below it restored for grass and trees, but, with the cooperation of the Department of Environmental Protection, the acid mine discharges have been reclaimed through a system including an anoxic limestone drain, ponds, and wetlands.

Amerikohl built a new water supply reservoir for the town of Ernest, which replaced the problematic McKee Run reservoir. Overall, 4,400 feet of McKee Run has returned to life and is classified as a Cold Water Fishery.

Collection Connection, Cranberry Township, Butler County

In response to Act 101 and Butler County’s new Solid Waste Management Plan, Cranberry Township established its “Collection Connection” Program, which exceeds state mandates for solid waste collection and provides a model for other communities in western Pennsylvania.

Replacing a system whereby Township residents were responsible for coordinating their own trash collection, the Collection Connection hired one Township waste hauler that would provide reasonable rates and allow for more recycling.

Begun in November 2004, the first quarter of the new Program has boasted a 24 percent increase in materials recycled, a 41 percent increase in the number of households recycling, a 23 percent decrease in landfill volume, and a 50 percent cut in truck traffic and its associated fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, the yard waste collection, which constitutes nearly 40% of curbside trash during the summer months, will enable the material to be composted and sold to gardening organizations throughout western Pennsylvania.

Next week the Digest will bring you the final installment of this series.

6/24/2005