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McLaughlin Run Project
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Specifics of the McLaughlin Run Project
More development means more roads, driveways,
roofs and other impervious surfaces and
less vegetated land to absorb water. Where does the water go? It still
flows into our
streams but does so ever more quickly through stormwater drains and
culverts. After heavy
rains, the rapid, high flows surge into streambeds. Water and debris
pound against the
channel and banks, tearing away soil and eventually collapsing the
banks. A walk along
McLaughlin Run reveals the damage that can occur from storm water
flows.
The CLS and the Township have received a grant
through the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) 319 Grant Program for stream stabilization and
enhancement. The
program’s goal is to reduce pollution, improve water quality,
and reduce flood
impacts through stream channel management.
The grant involves the completion of a streambank
stabilization/riparian improvement
project along McLaughlin Run in the area of the Recreation Center and
the 3-hole golf
course. The work will allow banks to be graded and stabilized with
native plantings,
rock gabions, and long sausage-like rolls of coconut fiber called
biologs. Additional
plantings of shrubs and trees will enhance the riparian corridor
creating wildlife
habitats, increasing soil retention and providing a pleasant and
interesting view along
McLaughlin Run.
CLS sees this opportunity as a way to begin
tackling the problems that have long
plagued urbanized streams like McLaughlin Run. Stabilizing the banks
helps to check
erosion and sedimentation. Plantings of trees and shrubs helps to
control water levels and
filter runoff from highways, parking lots, and construction.
Ultimately, these efforts
will translate into improved water quality for Chartiers Creek and the
Ohio River. They
will also complement the work that other municipalities, organizations
and people in the
watershed are undertaking. The Chartiers Creek Watershed Coalition
(CCWC) is one such
group and is working to unite interests in the watershed to work toward
common (water
quality) goals. USC CLS is a member of CCWC.
Work began this spring with the clearing of
Multiflora Rose and the planting of native
species along a portion of the stream beside the Gilfillan trail,
planting of native
species on the bank of McLaughlin Run behind the township building, and
the planting
of trees and bushes near the golf course during community day. The
majority of the
work is expected in the fall of 2000. The work project team includes
CLS, the Township,
the School District, the Boy Scouts, and other community service
organizations. Many
volunteers will be needed to help with plantings and other work. If you
would like to
lend a hand and help in this exciting community conservation project,
please visit our Volunteer
page.
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