DEP funds area conservation projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced Thursday that more than $3.7 million has been awarded to southwestern counties for conservation efforts.
The money comes from the DEP’s Growing Greener program, which provides money for waterway and watershed restoration, mine reclamation, and plugging abandoned oil and gas wells.
Two Washington County agencies will benefit from the program. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will receive $183,369 for the Buffalo Creek restoration project, and an additional $59,041 for the Brush Run restoration project. The Washington County Watershed Alliance will receive $119,103 for restoration efforts at Chartiers Creek.
The Greene County Conservation District was awarded $454,400 to implement best management practices at Cree Farm, which is meant to reduce pollution of water sources from agricultural activities.
In Fayette County, the Mountain Watershed Association will receive $222,482 for the redesign and redevelopment of the Kalp mine passive treatment system.