Applications are now being accepted to fund project to improve water quality and habitat along the Wissahickon Creek as a result of a $1.2 million penalty settlement with Merck & Company.

The deadline for applications is June 15.

The Wissahickon Creek, which flows 23 miles from Lansdale Borough to Philadelphia, is in the Schuylkill River watershed.

Merck is accepting applications for any projects dealing with stream restoration, sediment reduction, habitat restoration or wetlands restoration. Only projects that can be completed by December 31, 2011 will be accepted.

Joel Abrams, a civil engineer and professor emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh, will review and rank each proposal in order of importance and impact. Projects will be approved after officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approve Abrams’ analysis.

The proposals should be submitted to Constance Wickersham, Merck’s director of public affairs, at 770 Sumneytown Pike, P.O. Box 4, WP 97A-131, West Point, PA 19486.

Applications and instructions can be obtained by contacting Constance Wickersham, Merck & Company, by sending email to: Constance_Wickersham@Merck.com .

4/25/2008