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Schools recognized for protecting Schuylkill River

Release Date: 5/3/2005
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567
PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as a member of the Schuylkill Action Network, recognized six Philadelphia area schools today for developing environmental and educational projects that benefit the Schuylkill River watershed.

Each school was presented with the Schuylkill Action Network’s Source Water Protection Award as part of EPA’s celebration of National Drinking Water Week and the 30th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“These schools have made valuable contributions to protect the Schuylkill River by incorporating environmentally sensitive property management practices and educational programs into their daily operations. This river is an important resource that provides drinking water for 1.75 million people,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The schools receiving the awards included:
• James Dobson Elementary School, Philadelphia
• Candlebrook Elementary School, King of Prussia, Pa.
• Green Woods Charter School, Philadelphia
• Souderton High School - Students Against Violating the Earth (SAVE),

Souderton, Pa.

• Springside School - Philadelphia
• Ursinus College - Collegeville, Pa.

The awards were presented on behalf of the Schuylkill Action Network, which was formed in 2003 to create a team approach to cleaning up and protecting the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. Members include EPA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, Delaware River Basin Commission; conservation districts, local, state and federal agencies, watershed organizations and other non-governmental organizations.

The award recipients for 2005 have implemented source water protection programs such as adopting a local stream, designing educational wetland areas, planting native species on streambanks to prevent erosion, designing stormwater retention basins, and teaching students and members of the community about protecting water quality.

Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers that is used to supply private wells and public drinking water. The Schuylkill River and its tributaries are an important source of drinking water and fish habitat. For more information on the Schuylkill Action Network including a progress report and summary of accomplishments, visit: on the Internet.


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