As the summer winds down, Pop City looks to green and sustainable news in the region:
* The
Port of Pittsburgh Commission (PPC) received $1.15 million this summer from the EPA, along with matching private funds totalling $1.97 million from Campbell Transportation Company, Consol Energy and River Salvage, to re-power four towing vessels with new, cleaner burning engines and generators.
The boat project will reduce pollution and particulate matter in the region substantially, nitrous oxide will be down by 112.6 tons per year, particulate matter by 5 tons per year and carbon monoxide by 15.1 tons per year to be exact. The new engines will also use Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel when it becomes available.
"It's difficult to imagine how southwestern Pennsylvania could support
such diversified manufacturing if it were not for the inexpensive and
environmentally friendly waterway transportation system," said Barbara
McNees, chair of the PPC.
* Eight communities in Allegheny County are part of a new program,
Allegheny Together, a small biz revitalization plan that encourages investment in businesses who engage in sustainable practices, those who are "stepping up to make our region a better place to work and play," says Dan Onorato. The eight communities participating in the
Sustainable Business Designation Program are: Bellevue, Bridgeville, Coraopolis, Elizabeth, Stowe Twp, Swissvale, Tarentum and Verona.
* As a result of the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit, the
Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh is hosting 12 graduate engineers from Northern Ireland for a year who are assisting local companies and organizations in the development of sustainable technologies. The companies include Chester Engineers, E-Cap Network, ALCOSAN, Epiphany Solar Water Systems and Venture Engineering.
* In other green news, the Richard King Mellon Foundation has given a $1 million grant to the
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to support the ongoing restoration of Panther Hollow, one of the largest sewer sheds in Pittsburgh encompassing 780 acres and parts of Schenley Park, Oakland, and Squirrel Hill. The funding will support restoration, pilot projects and a watershed management plan.
Sign up to receive Pop City each week.
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Image of Panther Hollow courtesy of
Flickr.com and michaelrighti