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Board approves Stroud Water Research Center contract to monitor Stony Run; state funds offset cost
Summary
The board approved a roughly $37,000 contract with Stroud Water Research Center to monitor two sites in the township’s portion of the Stony Run watershed; State Senator Katie Muth provided a $20,000 appropriation toward the project and supervisors described the work as a long-term investment in stream health.
The East Vincent Township Board approved a contract with the Stroud Water Research Center to perform a water-quality assessment at two sites within the township’s portion of the Stony Run watershed.
"The cost for this is going to be about $37,000," a board member said, and the board thanked State Senator Katie Muth for a $20,000 appropriation that substantially reduced the township’s out-of-pocket cost. Members of the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) described the monitoring as part of a long-term strategy to track impairments (including agricultural runoff and nutrients) and to engage landowners in best-management practices.
Why it matters: Stony Run is listed as impaired and testing aims to determine current conditions, identify likely pollutant sources (nitrate, phosphorus, fecal indicators, PFAS, metals) and support education and grant applications. EAC members emphasized outreach to landowners and a mail campaign to encourage adoption of riparian buffers and other farm best practices.
Board discussion: Supervisors asked about site selection and whether Stroud could add sites; staff said additional private-property access had been secured for alternate locations and Pennoni/town engineers will coordinate with Stroud. Board members also discussed whether monitoring creates ongoing township obligations if significant pollutants are found; staff said DEP would be the primary enforcement authority for water-quality exceedances, though the township could support notification and coordinate follow-up actions.
Next steps: EAC and staff will work with Stroud to finalize site locations and outreach materials; permanent stations and a long-term monitoring plan were discussed. The board approved the contract by voice vote and directed staff to coordinate implementation and reporting.
