20 Learn to Monitor Local Water Resources
Washington PA Observer
Reporter
13 February 2011
By Linda Metz, Staff writer
lmetz@observer-reporter.com
Nearly 20 people were trained Saturday to monitor water resources,
specifically local streams, for problems that may put cold water
resources at risk.
The training program was sponsored by National Trout Unlimited, the
Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Chestnut Ridge Trout
Unlimited Chapter and Washington County Conservation League, that
consists of several counties including Washington. It was held at the
Chartiers Township municipal building.
"I was very happy with the turnout," said Dave Sewak, National Trout
Unlimited Marcellus Shale field coordinator.
The daylong local program is one of five being held to train people in
how to monitor water resources, conduct visual assessments and report
violations of state laws to appropriate state agencies.
Coldwater Conservation Corps volunteers provide an extra set of eyes
and ears on the ground, making sure special watersheds and cold water
resources are protected, said Sewak.
The monitors will keep an eye on local streams for water temperatures
and pH and dissolved solid levels, among a variety of other items.
"We have them doing baseline monitoring," Sewak explained.
And while Sewak said there haven't been a lot of problems caused by
Marcellus Shale drilling, he explained that it's best to have people
ready to identify problems should they arise.
Trout Unlimited is especially concerned about conditions since trout
are very susceptible to pollution, he stated.