Environmental advisory committee seeks permission for chimney‑swift tower, fishing‑line bins and native plantings at marina

Members of Tarentum’s Environmental Action Committee asked council to approve three small projects at the borough marina: installation of fishing‑line recycling bins, placement of a chimney‑swift nesting tower and the creation of three native‑planting beds in the marina parking area. Committee members said volunteers and grant funding will cover costs and that the projects support habitat and pollution reduction goals. Committee speaker Jim (committee member) described the fishing‑line bins as PVC receptacles that can be emptied and recycled by Audubon partners; he said they prevent discarded line from injuring birds and wildlife. He also described a chimney‑swift tower — a masonry‑like habitat structure used where historic chimneys no longer provide nesting opportunities — and noted the region hosts large nightly swift roosts. The third proposal would install native perennial beds in a parking‑area island; committee volunteers and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy partners would supply plants and labor, the member said. Council reaction: Officials supported the concept and asked staff to place the items on the October agenda. The committee said the projects require minimal borough involvement, that funding has been identified through Audubon and the Pittsburgh Foundation and that volunteers will maintain the features. Council asked staff to confirm placement details and any necessary approvals related to the state’s transfer of marina property to the borough. No council vote was recorded on the marina items at the meeting; committee members asked only for council authorization to place the projects on the October agenda.