HB 1565

A potentially harmful Bill(HB1565) has been introduced into the House of Representatives by Maria Hahn (R) Northampton, which, in short, would remove the requirement to leave a 150ft riparian buffer on HQ and EV (exceptional value) streams, when creating a disturbance of 1 or more acres. This would be an change to the clean water act as it stands now. HQ streams make up about 23% of the streams in PA, and EV about 2%. These streams have the best water quality, and often support outstanding wild fish populations. As you may or may not know, riparian buffers (trees, bushes, etc) are the single cheapest and most effective way to reduce/ prevent/ manage storm runoff, pollutants, sedimentation etc. They provide shade and hiding places for fish, bugs and wildlife. Please consider contacting your legislator(s) and let them know you are opposed to HB 1565. You can find your legislator(s) here: CLICK When you get to the home page of your rep./ senator you can click on the little envelope below their picture and send them a message. This Bill already seems to have strong support in the House, so time is important.

Thank you.
Erik Broesicke
President Monocacy Chapter TU

Bethlehem Township to improve stormwater system

In a piece of good news for our stream, it looks as though Bethlehem Township will be making some major improvements to the stormwater system that empties into the Monocacy Creek.  After reading THIS article though, some Monocacy TU members were concerned about the project.  As it turns out some of the information in the article was not complete, and overall this will be a positive for the stream.  The plans call for a new BMP (storm water pond) to be constructed and a new channel to be constructed that would empty into the creek.  This pond and channel will hopefully reduce the velocity of the storm water as it enters the stream, and also reduce the sediment load of the water.  The design firm estimates it could reduce the sediment load by thousands of pounds per year.

Monocacy Chapter Applies for Grant and other news...

In a last minute attempt to help the City of Bethlehem with it's Johnson Park Dam removal, Vicky Bastidas has been working overtime to get a grant proposal done.  The idea was posed early this week and the grant in due today, Dec. 14th.  The grant we are seeking is for $10,000, which will go towards construction costs.  The money is awarded through  The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP)  which is a collaborative effort between the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. In other news.....(click read more below)