Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Hosts Oct.16 Forum

For Montgomery County leaders, addressing the impact of stormwater to ensure clean water presents many challenges. However, as local leaders forge collaborative relationships with nonprofit and environmental groups and the community, it is becoming evident that these efforts are producing positive results for the waterways, communities and the parties involved. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership will host a community forum that will detail activities, involvement and future efforts to protect and restore the Jenkintown Creek. For anyone who has ever wondered about the health of the watershed, efforts that are underway and ways to get involved, this is a pivotal event.

Stormwater and its impact

Stormwater is an issue in most waterways. During a heavy rainfall, impervious surfaces, such as parking lots, rooftops and roads, do not allow rainwater to be absorbed into the soil, resulting in large amounts of water traveling directly into waterways. Stormwater runoff becomes contaminated with pollutants, oil, garbage, and debris which is transported directly to our watersheds. Not only does the runoff contaminate local water sources, it can erode stream banks over time. There are actions that can be implemented on a regional, local and individual level that can impact the negative impacts of stormwater.

The local response to stormwater

Regulatory requirements mean that communities must invest in stormwater management, leading townships, boroughs and local governments to identify and implement innovative solutions to address stormwater issues. These strategies can help to galvanize support and increase engagement among area stakeholders and residents who embrace these strategies to ensure improved water quality.

Forum attendees will hear from local officials and agency representatives who will discuss how stormwater projects are identified, how citizens can get involved and how funding and momentum is maintained to ensure that the long term impacts of these projects are achieved and maintained.

The forum will be held at the Basilian Spirituality Center, Sisters of St. Basil the Great, 710 Fox Chase Road, Fox Chase, PA, from 5-9 p.m., on Oct. 16, 2018. Speakers include: Executive Director, Montgomery County Planning Commission Jody Holton, Cheltenham Township Manager Brian Havir, PP, AICP, Cerulean Project Manager Susan Harri and many other elected and staff leaders.

Register for this informative event that will change your way of approaching the challenges of the Jenkintown Creek, talk to the experts and mingle with your neighbors while enjoying a tasty dinner in a beautiful setting.

Register here or call the TTF Watershed Partnership at 215-744-1853.