Independence Conservancy on a mission to improve the environment
Courtesy of Independence Conservancy
Victoria Michaels, executive director of the Independence Conservancy, remembers as a child that Raccoon Creek ran bright orange and stank from the mine pollution.
“There’s not one person alive who had ever seen Raccoon Creek other than screaming orange because it had been that way for so long. I never thought something could be done about it until I learned otherwise,” Michaels said. “I consider it the highlight of my career as a conservationist that I’ve had a hand in fixing it.”
Founded in 1999, the nonprofit focuses on improving the Racoon Creek watershed in western Pennsylvania.
At the time and over the years, they’ve hosted large clean-up efforts. Michaels said they’ve removed at least 100,000 tires out of the woods and bought a portable machine to cut up tires.
It launched a program they began for tire collection.
“The problem is everywhere. We’ve seen folks pass away and their wives or grandchildren are left with piles of tires and nowhere to take them,” Michaels said. “This program gives people a safe and affordable alternative to dumping them over the hill. We’ve taken in more than 70,000 tires in 21 years through the program alone.”
In addition, abandoned coal mines continue to pollute the area.
“The mining from the Pittsburgh coal seam was one of the richest in our nation. It helped build our nation and win two World War’s but there are a lot of scars and damage left out there,” Michaels said. “We’ve built or helped build five treatment systems for the mine discharge. When a coal mine is abandoned, acid runs out of the ground.”
Even after litter clean-ups and Raccoon Creek is approximately 60% cleaner than it has been in previous years, Michaels said. There’s still a lot to do.
They are currently conducting a scientific study and biological inventory to see what lives in the water, where the creek is recovering and where it still needs help.
“We do have wildlife returning. We’ve found freshwater mussels upstream and they are an indication of water quality,” Michaels said. “We want to focus efforts in target areas and feel good about where it’s under control.”
The change is noticeable and those that remember those orange rivers and creeks can appreciate the efforts put forth to clean up the environment. However, Michaels said it’s important to remember, even if you don’t have a passion for wildlife and the environment, the health of the area around you affects everyone.
It’s all connected.
“Someone needs to be a voice for the creatures that live there. We’re advocating for the trees, animals and creeks. We’re all a part of a gigantic living thing and we need to care for it,” Michaels said.
Visitors to Raccoon Creek will soon see signs with a QR code that lead to a survey on the Independence Conservancy website. They’re asking for the public to share signs of pollution issues such as eroding banks or sewage running into the water as well as what wildlife they’ve spotted.
To donate toward the cause or volunteer for various events throughout the year, reach out via their website at www.independenceconservancy.org.