We have all seen trash and litter along roadways. The same litter problem that plagues our highways and by-ways also plagues our waterways. Whether brought by a flood or left by a human, litter and household debris has found its way into most Pennsylvania streams. Local watershed associations have begun the process of removing this litter and trash from the stream and its banks. The costs and fees associated with these clean-ups have, in some cases, hindered progress. The volunteers are willing, but the money to pay the disposal fees is not available.
This situation was brought to the attention of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) during the summer of 2002. NPC was asked to consider establishing an account that would fund local watershed associations’ clean-up efforts. The NPC Board discussed the proposal and agreed to establish and administer funds for local stream clean-ups.
Program Purpose
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) has limited funding available through a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Growing Greener Grant to assist qualifying local groups with their efforts to improve the waterways they are working to protect. The Program aims to remove litter and trash from streams and their banks and deposit it into appropriate disposal facilities.
Geographic Area Served by the Program
Proposed clean up areas in and around waterways located within the watersheds designated on the map within this brochure are eligible for this funding. The map corresponds to the 14 county area covered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Northcentral Region.
Site Selection
The Program focuses on cleaning up litter and trash from waterways and the banks of waterways. Clean-ups of this nature are the primary focus. Sites that are, or could be, contributing to groundwater contamination, such as sinkholes, will be considered as secondary sites. Other areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis as funding and need permit.
Eligible Organization
In order to be eligible to apply for funding through this Program, the applicant should be recognized by DEP as a watershed association. Other organizations, such as PA Cleanway Chapters, would also be eligible to apply and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. To ensure that clean-ups are occurring throughout the region, each eligible organization will be limited to two (2) funded clean-ups per calendar year. If, however, funds are available, and there are not other eligible organizations working on clean-ups, additional funds would be provided for more than 2 clean-ups on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Expenses
Clean-up expenses eligible for this Program are disposal or landfill tipping fees, gloves and trash bags. Expenses not eligible for this Program would include such things as refreshments, t-shirts, and promotion of the clean-up. NPC will pay disposal or landfill tipping fees directly to the vendor. Applicants are strongly encouraged to solicit local businesses for donated gloves and trash bags. Hauling fees will be considered on a case-by-case basis when there are special circumstances. Please be sure to discuss this with NPC prior to submitting your application. NPC will pay the costs for depositing into a landfill 10 tons of trash, 30 tires, and 10 appliances. Any trash and/or litter exceeding these standards will be the responsibility of the organization conducting the clean-up for the costs related to proper disposal of that excess.
Conditions on Recipients
Please review the hazardous waste and liability statement on the application and sign them at the appropriate line. NPC is not responsible for landowner relationships. It will be the responsibility of each eligible organization to secure whatever permission and authorizations are needed. If your organization is given funding, a close out report must be filed with NPC within 2 weeks of your clean-up. Photos from the clean-up and a map indicating the area of the clean-up must be submitted with the report. The photos will be used in joint publicity of the Program. NPC will send a standard press release to local media informing them of the clean-up’s success, explaining what group conducted the clean-up, and NPC’s role. Additionally, the photos will be used on the NPC website with information on all the organizations participating in this program.
Related Information
The DEP and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission are two organizations that have brochures and information available on how to conduct stream clean-ups.
Organizations who are inexperienced or looking for information should contact these two groups for assistance.
To obtain an application, please contact:
Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy
PO Box 2083
Williamsport, PA 17703
Telephone: 570-323-6222