Riparian Buffers Increase Environmental Value

In a study finalized in August 2018, riparian buffers planted along streams provided an economic value to the environment! What exactly is a riparian buffer? This Best Management Practice is a vegetated strip of land along waterways that help protect the water from earth-disturbing activities that may impact water quality and other ecological issues. Planting trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and grasses provide a natural filtering system that can remove sediment, and create a better habitat for insects and wildlife.

The PA Department of Environmental Protection has endorsed restoration of riparian buffers as a key to reduce stormwater containing pollutants from entering these streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The minimum recommended width of an effective buffer is 35 feet, but any buffer can help with reduction of erosion.

This new study, conducted by ECONorthwest, (ECONorthwest, "The Economic Value of Riparian Buffers in the Delaware River Basin," Delaware Riverkeeper Network, 2018.) discovered that nearly half of riparian forests in the Delaware River Basin have been cleared, and remaining areas are negatively impacted by suburban development. This study assessed the loss of ecosystem services, such as drinking water quality, property values, recreational opportunities, and other services, and compared them to the benefits of an effective riparian buffer. A monetary value was then assigned to the benefits of the ecosystems provided by the buffered areas.

Based on this collected data, the study found that riparian buffers can positively affect air quality, flood mitigation, recreation, wildlife habitats, and other areas. 

Sweet Treats

PA Small Water and Sewer Grants

SSM assisted our clients in obtaining $650,000 in CFA Grant funding this year.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The PA Small Water and Sewer Grants are for small projects to improve public water supply and sanitary sewer systems. Eligible projects were those with a total project cost between $30,000 and $500,000 that involved the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of a water supply or sanitary sewer system (including water and wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations) which is owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. Also eligible were projects that included consolidation or regionalization of two or more water supply systems or sanitary sewer systems which are managed or operated as an integrated system regardless of whether the system is physically connected.

Western Berks Water Authority | Mohrsville Water District Arsenic Removal System

SSM helped the Western Berks Water Authority to secure a $125,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority PA Small Water and Sewer Program for an upgraded arsenic removal system. This new addition improves the water quality for Wernersville, Sinking Spring and the surrounding Greater Reading area.

Walnutport Water & Sewer Authority | South Canal Street Water Main Crossing

SSM aided the Walnutport Authority of Northampton County in obtaining a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority PA Small Water and Sewer Program. The funds were used for a project to replace an aging water main under the Lehigh Canal which serves drinking water to existing Lehigh customers. SSM provided the location maps and zoning designations of the service areas, as well as prepared and submitted a complete grant package for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to get funding consistent with Northampton County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority | Prospect Street Sanitary Sewer Construction Project

SSM successfully prepared and submitted a $100,000 grant package for the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority for a project under the Commonwealth Financing Authority PA Small Water and Sewer Grant Program. The project involved constructing new sanitary sewers to provide service to residents on Prospect Street, located in Whitehall Township of Lehigh County, PA. The funds were used to provide upgraded reliable sewer infrastructure and adjoining an existing residential zoning area where public sewer service was already provided. This ultimately eliminates groundwater pollution and provides the county’s customers with the best water quality.

Reading Area Water Authority | Filter Replacement Project

The Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA) was granted $125,000 by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to finance the replacement and rehabilitation of four deteriorating filters and surrounding piping at the Maidencreek Filter Plant. SSM provided the CFA grant package, including preparation and submission of written materials, as well as coordination with all parties involved. The upgrade of the treatment plant’s filters positively benefit over 125,000 drinking water customers of the City of Reading and surrounding areas. With the upgrades obtained from the funding, RAWA can ensure more efficient disinfection, filtration, and treatment of The City’s drinking water and overall better water quality.

Mariner East 2 Pipeline Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) created a new water quality project grant program funded by the penalty assessed against the Mariner East 2 (MEII) Pipeline. Grants were awarded for projects that reduced or minimized pollution and protected clean water in the 85 municipalities along the length of the pipeline corridor.

Birdsboro Municipal Authority Robeson Township Indian Run Dam Rehabilitation

Birdsboro Municipal Authority received the largest Mariner II East Pipeline Grant. The $750,000 grant was awarded for the rehabilitation of the Indian Run dam, which provides drinking water to the surrounding area’s customers. SSM prepared and submitted all materials of the grant package that secured the funds to improve the Robeson Township’s water quality.

Capturing heights in dangerous conditions.

SSM’s scanning team provided Seiler + Drury Architecture with high definition scanning services of the exposed face of the eastern side of 241 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA.

The scan covered an 85’ X 105’ area and captured surface data of the building face. This information was used to generate cross-sectional data that supported the structural analysis of the exposed building face. The adjacent building had recently been destroyed in a fire. The scan data would provide necessary dimensions and data points for renovation plans. High Definition Scanning was by far the most efficient and comprehensive way to capture the required data for this project.