On August 10, legislators from Berks and Schuylkill County, agency representatives, and members of the public gathered in the Schuylkill Haven Recreational Center to review the progress of longstanding efforts to clean up the Schuylkill River and its nearby creeks and streams. 

While many parts of the river have seen major improvements throughout the last 50 years, there was one thing everyone could agree on: much more needs to be done.

“In the not so distant past, the Schuylkill River was considered one of the dirtiest, most polluted waterways in the country.  Now we all have a responsibility to our children and grandchildren and future great grandchildren to continue the remarkable comeback of the Schuylkill River,” said Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill), who chaired the roundtable.

Sen. Argall began the two-hour hearing by asking, “Why have some of our local towns enjoyed major improvements in water quality, while in other nearby towns the same creek is still choked with pollutants? How do we prevent future flooding in Port Carbon, Gilberton, Pine Grove, and so many other local towns?  How do we assist small towns like Coaldale and Lansford in preventing raw sewerage from reaching the Little Schuylkill River at Tamaqua?  How much will it cost?”

“Today’s hearing solidifies the need for the Schuylkill River restoration process to continue and ensure that it remains a hospitable habitat for wildlife as well as a great recreational resource for the public to access,” said Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks).  “This river not only services Schuylkill County but it feeds down into Berks County and Philadelphia and I am confident that we can continue to restore it to its former glory.”

“The roundtable today has shown just how important that keeping our Schuylkill River clean is,” said Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill). “After listening to area experts and stakeholders, I look forward to continued efforts of revitalizing our waterways for generations to come.”

“I am grateful for my legislative colleagues and area stakeholders for taking part in the roundtable held today,” said Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill). “It was a truly informative experience and it is clear that we must keep working together to keep our waterways, like the Schuylkill River, free of pollution.”

“Restoring our Schuylkill River is important not just to our community but to the entire state,” said Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin). “I was happy to see everyone come to the table today to continue to work on these efforts of cleaning our river.”

Click Here to watch the hearing and for a listing of witnesses.

Here’s An Idea!

Instead of investing over $5 billion in American Rescue Fund money into environmental restoration and other programs, the General Assembly stashed it away for some future date and purpose.  Read more here.

The Growing Greener Coalition and other environmental groups vigorously urged legislators to invest some of those funds in local watershed restoration, recreation, open space and farm conservation projects.  Read more here.

The Senate and House have over a $200 million surplus in their legislative operating accounts.  Why not use that?  Read more here.

State legislators are awash in money… invest it.

(Photo: A mine drainage treatment project funded by the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund.)

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-- PA Farm Bureau Calls On Senate, House To Pass And Fund Legislation To Support On-Farm Conservation Efforts To Improve Water Quality

-- Growing Greener Coalition: American Rescue Plan For Water & Green Infrastructure

-- WeConservePA Urges Groups To Work With County, Local Govts. To Invest Federal Rescue Funds For Watershed Restoration, Land Conservation, Park & Trail Improvement Projects

-- House Republicans Now Want To Take Away All DEP’s Application Fee Revenue To Further De-Fund Environmental Protection Programs

[Posted: August 10, 2021]

8/16/2021