"Open space or not?"

by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, PhillyBurbs.com, May 15, 2009: "Spending to preserve open space is a leading issue in the township's election. In Plumstead, like many municipalities throughout Central and Upper Bucks County, preserving open space is a key issue for residents. Elected officials go to great lengths to praise the rewards of preservation, despite the cost. But in today's economy, spending money on anything, even open space, is a concern for those seeking public office. The three Republicans facing off in Tuesday's primary each expressed worry over spending in these strained economic times. . . ."

New storm water management rules

PhillyBurbs.com, April 30, 2009: "Township wants help from neighbors against DEP rules: The potential impact of new storm water management rules has supervisors concerned. Concerned about the potential impact of new storm water management rules, Montgomery Township supervisors hope their neighbors will join them in expressing that concern to the state Department of Environmental Protection. . . ."

Landscape design and clean water

PhillyBurbs.com, April 26, 2009: "Design majors all about clean water: The next generation of landscape designers is stepping out of the classroom and into their local watersheds. A group of 10 environmental design majors from Delaware Valley College is touring the region this month to consult with homeowners and local organizations about riparian buffers, grassy barriers that keep sediment out of creeks and streams. . . ."

"Law would protect drinking water"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, April 23, 2009:

The legislation was introduced by Bucks Republican Chuck McIlhinney.

A lawmaker, government agency and environmental group have teamed up to craft a bill to protect the state's drinking water.

State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney introduced the legislation Wednesday that requires special protection of the groundwater, rivers and aquifers that supply drinking water.

Loans for water projects

PhillyBurbs.com, April 23, 2009: "Loans target water projects: Richlandtown and Sellersville were hoping for grants to perform needed water system improvements. . . . They'll have to settle for a loan. The tiny Upper Bucks borough had applied for funding to remove arsenic from the town's drinking water. . . ."

Hybrid sewer alternative

PhillyBurbs.com, April 22, 2009: "Hybrid mentioned as sewer alternative: The system could be cheaper then what has been proposed for the Pebble Ridge area. A member of the Doylestown Township public water and sewer advisory committee has proposed an idea - a sort of septic-sewer hybrid, called a septic tank effluent pump system - that he said could address the problem of failing septic systems at a lower cost than the alternatives. . . ."

Frontline/PBS: "Poisoned Waters"

FRONTLINE: Poisoned Waters on PBS: "A far-reaching investigation into American's great waterways. They are in peril. There's a new wave of pollution that's killing fish, causing mutations in frogs -- and threatening human health."

"Springtown Water Authority honored"

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Amanda Cregan, April 10, 2009: "Springtown Water Authority honored. The all-volunteer agency was lauded for maintaining local control of the rural township's water system."

8 stream gauges for Delaware River

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Freda R. Savana, April 9, 2009: "8 stream gauges to be funded in Delaware: The U.S. Geological Survey said it will help fund the operation of at least eight stream gauges that help the National Weather Service provide flood forecasts and warnings. Last month, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced several gauges were going to be shut down to save money."

"Water monitoring will continue"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 6, 2009: "Contamination in Cross Keys has affected numerous homes and businesses. Officials have yet to identify the source. Dozens of homes and businesses in and around the intersection of routes 313 and 611, known as Cross Keys, will continue to have their wells monitored by the state Department of Environmental Protection, said a DEP spokesman, after contaminants were discovered in the water. It's been almost a year since the department learned the water was contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The area affected includes sections of Plumstead, Buckingham and Doylestown Township."

"Tinicum in epic battle with developer"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 6, 2009: "It's been five years since developers began their fight to build an apartment complex, townhomes, residential neighborhoods and a shopping center across 240 acres in Tinicum. Scores of township hearings later, neither Main Street Development nor township supervisors nor members of ECO-Bucks, a grassroots citizens group fighting to preserve the rural character of Tinicum, are backing down from the fight."

"Open house targets deer management"

PhillyBurbs.com, April 5, 2009: "Open house targets deer management: The day-long event was one of six open houses the [Pennsylvania Game] commission is holding statewide."

"Pennridge-area water safety addressed"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Pennridge-area water safety addressed," by Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, April 1, 2009.

"NYC eliminating stream gauges"

PhillyBurbs.com, Bucks County Courier Times, by Freda R. Savana, March 27, 2009: "The proposed cutbacks of the system that keeps check on Delaware River water levels have outraged some who live along the waterway."

"Officials tap ideas for water safety"

PhillyBurbs.com, Intelligencer, by Theresa Hegel, March 29, 2009: "For Pennridge area officials, the best way to keep drinking water clean, safe - and, indeed, flowing - is to go to the source.

"With the help of the Bucks County Planning Commission and a slew of scientists, they've been able to map out where each spray of your hose and dribble from your tap originated.

"The region's source water protection plan - currently in draft form - delineates those origins and identifies 'actual and potential sources of contamination,' said Rea Monaghan, an environmental planner with the Bucks County Planning Commission.

"The plan, which will be reviewed at a public meeting on Tuesday, could also be an invaluable resource in case of an emergency, she added.

"About eight years ago, the Pennridge Area Coordinating Committee began an initiative to link land development to water resources. The idea is that housing and other types of development should not exceed the capacity of area water systems.

"Water availability 'is going to be one of the most critical items that we deal with and face in the next 25 years,' said Don Duvall, a West Rockhill supervisor and PACC member." [continued]

"Quarry work surprises township"

PhillyBurbs.com: "Earth moving equipment was working on the expansion of the quarry until a cease-and-desist order was issued," Intelligencer, March 29, 2009.

"No cause for drought alarm in area - yet"

PhillyBurbs.com: "No cause for drought alarm in area - yet," by Rich Pietras, Intelligencer, March 24, 2009. "Rainfall amounts are way down in 2009, but rain is predicted later this week."

Regulations for natural gas drilling

"Environmentalists want regulations for expected increase in natural gas drilling," by Scott Detrow, WHYY News, March 19, 2009. "Pennsylvania officials are banking on a boom in natural gas drilling over the next few years. But environmental advocates say lawmakers will need to put strict regulations in place to protect water sources [emphasis added]."