The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002

MERCER COUNTY

CleanWays group eyes potential cleanup sites

The Mercer County Affiliate of PA CleanWays identified two potential cleanup sites in Mercer County.

The group, which focuses on rural dump sites, is planning to clean up a site in Sharon along the Shenango River and one in the northeast corner of the county, close to Goddard State Park. The first cleanup will take place later this spring, the second in the fall.

The local environmental group also identified one-year goals for discussion at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesdayin Leslie N. Firth Learning Center, U.S. Route 19, Coolspring Township. The public is invited.

As well as identifying the cleanup sites, the group in February also agreed on the following goals:

  • Education and awareness -- Throughout the next year, the group plans to deliver at least six presentations at festivals, township supervisors meetings, sporting club meetings, in schools, for youth groups and at other venues.

  • Dump site assessments -- The affiliate plans to develop a list of all dumps in the county.

  • Identification of potential funding/volunteer opportunities -- The affiliate plans to develop a database of volunteer jobs, such as cleanup or administrative work, and funding sources.

    The Mercer County group is the newest affiliate of the state PA CleanWays organization -- a group that focuses on cleaning up municipal and rural roads.

    Don Blakesley, Mercer County Recycling Coordinator, is the affiliate's administrator. The job entails carrying out group decisions, providing guidance and administrative support and working with county officials and the public to promote the group's work. He is also liaison to the state organization. His goal as administrator is to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the Mercer County affiliate becomes a full chapter within two years.

    PA CleanWays was founded in 1990 in Westmoreland County. There are 17 county chapters and five prechapters, including the local one. PA CleanWays has coordinated cleanup of more than 190 illegal dump sites, removed more than 1,439 tons of trash, 151 tons of metals and nearly 20,000 tires.


    If you are interested in joining the Mercer County Affiliate of PA CleanWays or want to report a dump site, contact Blakesley at (724) 981-2412.



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