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.