Cooperative Path to Cleaner Streams
Washington PA Observer
Reporter
7 February 2011
In an effort to monitor the water quality of area streams and possibly
prevent another situation from developing similar to what happened at
Dunkard Creek, the Harry Enstrom Chapter of the Izaak Walton League is
initiating a program to test water quality in streams throughout Greene
County.
The local chapter has developed a program to train and certify
volunteers to conduct water testing. It hopes to begin sending people
out into the field next month to start the weekly water tests.
The Izaak Walton League doesn't get the press of the other groups that
go after the polluters of our water, air and land. Izaak Walton League
is one of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation
organizations, as opposed to simply wearing an environmentalist label.
The program the League is initiating seems to fit quite well with its
mission:
"To conserve and protect the water, the air and all aspects of our
environment for our health and enjoyment."
The cornerstone of the League is its grassroots network of nearly 270
local chapters nationwide, relying on volunteers to fulfill that
mission of preserving the natural heritage of this country.
This is quite a commendable undertaking, considering that the
possibility of water contamination has increased substantially as a
result of the boom in the coal, natural gas and coal-bed methane
extraction industries.
Aquatic life in Dunkard Creek was wiped out in fall 2009 by a bloom of
golden algae. It is believed very high levels of total dissolved solids
in the stream from mine water discharges created conditions for the
algae to bloom.
We have yet to hear anyone from the Izaak Walton League come out and
say they are anti-coal industry or anti-gas drilling. What gives this
organization a high level of credibility is its willingness to work
with industry rather than against it.
Jim Butler, the local chapter's testing coordinator, said, "Where we
want it to lead is to greater cooperation between the citizens and
industry to protect the future of our natural resources. There's always
a balance between industrial and public use of a resource. We're
looking for the optimal use, what's best," he said.
The league will soon begin training and certifying volunteers under a
program set up by Geo Resources Associates. The volunteers will
initially test water once a week at 21 locations in watersheds
including Dunkard Creek, Whiteley Creek, Ten Mile Creek and Enlow Fork.
The chapter believes it has developed a program to provide accurate
information that can be used to begin a meaningful discussion among
citizens, government and industry on protecting this area's water
resources.
This seems like a common-sense approach to a serious problem, and
that's why we underscore the value of cooperation more than
confrontation.