Last month, we had two solid victories in a row. First, as many of you know, the PA DEP denied American Ash Recycling their permit to continue spreading toxin-laden incinerator ash across Pennsylvania as construction fill. This was the first positive sign we’ve seen in what has been a goal of SOLS, and a 5 year battle for me personally, to end this short-sighted practice. Unfortunately, this is not yet the end, as American Ash will most likely be re-filing for their permit, based on the fact that they just put a help wanted ad in the York newspapers. Our second victory was DEP’s response to our reporting of illegal landfilling at Lauxmont Farms. We have since discovered at least 8 individual locations where trash has been buried illegally in pits and trenches on this historic property.

Also, after the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper visited Capitol Hill and requested that Congress address the Conowingo Sediment threat, Congressmen Gilchrest and Platts have begun talks with SRBC, EPA, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Northeast Midwest Institute to determine how they can address this single biggest threat to the Chesapeake Bay. These same entities have encouraged SOLS to increase our education efforts on this issue. We have created and posted on our website a two-page scientific summary, and a one page short version, of this dangerous situation on the Lower Susquehanna, a situation that some have compared to the failure of government to act on the New Orleans levees before Katrina. You can download either version here. Please share this info with others.

Don't forget to join us for the SOLS Fall Appreciation Party to learn more, and find out how you can help improve our communities and waterways for ourselves and all future generations.

From the Mighty Susquehanna, Michael R Helfrich
Lower Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER®