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CWA has joined with the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Association and the Tunkhannock Fishing Association to press for re-designation of the Creek from High Quality (HQ) to Exceptional Value (EV) status. EV provides the highest degree of protection possible in Pennsylvania, allowing no degradation of the water under any circumstances. The Tunkhannock, which flows through Monroe Co., has been shown to host a wide variety of flora and fauna much of it unique to its immediate watershed; the stream also serves as a source of drinking water for the City of Bethlehem and environs.
Since that meeting, the Authority has withdrawn its objection to the change in status and is working to determine whether they should become active proponents of the change. The City of Bethlehem is doing likewise. What you can do: Lehigh Valley residents who receive their drinking water from the Bethlehem Water System can write to The Bethlehem Authority at 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018; thank them for re-opening the issue and urge them to back the change to EV status for the Tunkhannock Creek. |
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Originally, the City of Bethlehem Authority, which is one of the largest property-holders along the stream, took a position against the re-designation. CWA with its allies, got the Authority to hold an open meeting to determine the potential effects of the re-designation. CWA worked to assemble experts and stakeholders from the DEP, Monroe Co. Conservation District, Tunkhannock Twp., Bethlehem City Council, the City Water Dept. and from the Watershed and the Fishing Associations for an educational meeting with the Authority to explain the benefits and dispel the myths about EV status. Approximately 50 people attended.
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