Community works to enhance Chartiers Creek tributary
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Stephanie Jellison of Blairsville and Natalie Chaussard, 12, of South Fayette help install a multi-log vane in Millers Run in South Fayette. The multi-log vane directs water flow into the center of the stream, which helps prevent erosion of the stream banks. The vanes are part of a $10,000 grant South Fayette and conservation groups received to help improve the stream's water quality and aquatic life.
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Anthony Frank splashed through Millers Run in South Fayette with cupped hands and announced, "Look, Dad! Look what I found!"
Steve Frank watched his 6-year-old son open his palms to reveal a tiny freshwater clam, and later, a small crayfish.
While aquatic life in this relatively clean portion of Millers Run is limited mainly to bugs, small crustaceans and mussels, minnows and chubs, in the future it could more regularly host larger fish such as trout.
Mr. Frank, who is president of the South Fayette Conservation Group, was among those working in the stream for three days last week to build eight structures designed to enhance a 500-foot span of Millers Run, a tributary of Chartiers Creek.
"That prevents some erosion along the stream, which will be one of the primary benefits we will see, in addition to some better fish habitat for trout," Mr. Frank said.
About 15 people joined forces Aug. 10 to create log and stone formations between the Route 50 and Parks Road bridges, near the Original Farmers Night Market.
The site is upstream of the portion of Millers Run that's polluted by orange acid mine drainage.
The $10,000 project involved community and Conservation Group volunteers, members of the township public works crew and watershed experts from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Allegheny County Conservation District.
The workers installed structures designed to direct water toward the center of the stream, slow the flow and provide holes for trout migrating downstream from Cecil Park, where the fish are stocked each year.
South Fayette siblings Natalie Chaussard, 12, and Kevin Chaussard, 15, volunteered to help after learning about the project in a local newspaper.
First Published August 18, 2011 5:42 am
