Hebble Creek
In September 2009, the Pitstick Pork Farm received permits (PTO, PTI) from Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) allowing them to double their number of animals to a total of 7095 pigs. This number is estimated to produce over 2.2 million gallons of manure annually. In 2001, this same facility was responsible for a major fish kill (over 9000 fish and other aquatic animals) in Hebble Creek which runs through the Pitstick Farm.
With the passage of Issue 2 and new legislation which transferred National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits from OEPA to ODA, we are concerned about the health of Ohio waterways and Hebble Creek in particular. For this reason, GEC will conduct a water monitoring project of Hebble Creek. Our survey will include measurements of dissolved O2, nitrates, phosphates, ph, turbidity, E. coli, BOD, and other data. We are also interested in natural wetlands that occur along Hebble Creek, and their effect on the clean up of polluted water.
To prepare for this project, GEC members attended a training seminar on water sampling methods conducted by the Miami Conservancy District to become certified as a Level 1 Qualified Data Collector.
The Miami Conservancy District and the Greene Environmental Coalition are offering a free workshop on February 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Yellow Springs, at the GEC Office in the Union School House Building, for volunteers interested in learning how to sample the quality of water in rivers and streams. Volunteers that attend the workshop can be certified as a Level 1 Qualified Data Collector after learning how to read the signs of good water quality through sampling methods, insect identification and basic waterway biology. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary. The workshop is intended to be a casual morning of learning and fun.
"Miami Valley Stream Team is an education program that focuses on local river and stream stewardship. The workshop will 'train the trainer,' teaching local teachers and other leaders how to educate students and friends on how to monitor the quality of our water resources," says Sarah Hippensteel, Program Development Specialist with The Miami Conservancy District.
People in the Miami Valley and interested in the environment, especially local educators, are encouraged to attend the workshop. The Stream Team program easily fits into elementary, middle school or high school science curricula. The workshop combines informal classroom instruction with hands-on practice.
Please call Sarah Hippensteel at (937) 223-1271 or Vickie Hennessy at (937) 767-3901 for reservations and directions. The workshop will be limited to no more than 25 participants.