EPA establishes water quality improvement plan for Pine Creek watershed

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a water quality improvement plan for creeks, streams and a lake in the Pine Creek watershed in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, due to the presence of high amount of bacteria in the water.

The water quality of the watershed in the county has been highly contaminated due to sewer overflows, stormwater runoff and septic systems.

Studies have shown that bacteria levels in the water have increased 100 times above the acceptable limits.

The agency has formed the new plan for bacteria total maximum daily load (TMDL) for the watershed jointly with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).

TMDL will help to identify the maximum limit of bacteria presence in water bodies from various sources.

EPA has proposed the water quality improvement plan for the Pine Creek watershed in a bid to protect public health, as the lake, streams and creeks are used by many people for recreation activities.

EPA regional administrator Shawn M Garvin said that the agency is trying to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the Pine Creek watershed.

"These waters are meant for trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other recreational activities, and this TMDL provides a clear path to clean water based on extensive data and sound science," Garvin added.

EPA and PADEP are also discussing with local government to develop a practical framework to reduce the pollution and meet the water quality standards.

As a part of the framework recommendations, municipalities will be encouraged to take steps to improve services and connect failing septic systems to public sewers and stop discharge in watershed.

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Image: US EPA sets water quality improvement plan for Pine Creek watershed in Pennsylvania. Photo: Courtesy of Nicholas A. Tonelli.