New York Towns Hosting Water Quality Forums

The towns of Tonawanda and Grand Island, N.Y., in collaboration with the Erie County Environmental Management Council, plan to host a series of countywide water quality forums. These public events will address local watersheds and the quality of water in area creeks and rivers.

The forums aim to educate residents about what should not go down their drains and the path storm water travels, according to Thomas Hersey, pollution prevention coordinator for the Erie County Department of Environmental Protection.

Ellicott Creek, Two Mile Creek and the Niagara River are the storm water systems of focus, he said. "People may live in the middle of the town of Tonawanda," he added, "but they need to realize the connection between the activities in their yards and houses impact storm water runoff."

Preventing contaminants such as soil, animal waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, grease and debris from entering drainage systems is key, said Michael Kaiser, senior engineer assistant for the town's Technical Support Department. "People think that once they send it down there it's fine," he said, "but that goes out into creeks and rivers, not treatment facilities."

Forum leaders will also touch on new municipal requirements in order to keep local officials up to date. Residents attending the forums are encouraged to ask questions.

The town of Tonawanda is currently installing a new bridge and stabilizing a stream bank, the initial phase of a plan intended to relieve local flooding and alleviate storm water system congestion. The project will cost approximately $855,000.

Source: Tonawanda News