Callery Chemical Co., a division of Mine Safety Appliances Co., has been recognized by Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker and DEP Secretary David Hess for its commitment to watershed stewardship and environmental protection. Callery Chemical Co. was one of 24 organizations from across Pennsylvania selected to receive the prestigious Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship for 2002.
"It is my great honor to congratulate the winners of the 2002 Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship," Schweiker said. "These individuals and organizations are reclaiming abandoned mine lands, protecting and restoring our valuable watersheds and reaching out to our communities to educate them about the importance of Pennsylvania's natural resources."
Over the past six years, Earth Day festivities sponsored by Callery Chemical Co. have become a local tradition. Aside from providing a fun festival and family event for area residents, the MSA-sponsored Earth Day festivals are having a lasting effect on the Breakneck Creek watershed.
MSA organizes a committee that plans Earth Day festivals and reinforces the importance of watershed protection. Held every April near the Evans City plant in Butler County, the festival features educational exhibits sponsored by area high schools, local emergency response groups, environmental awareness groups, DEP and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Approximately 1,000 adults and children attended the 2001 festival and got their hands wet stocking the Breakneck Creek with fingerling fish. Educators and environmental professionals used exhibits to teach attendees about the watershed and its value to the community. The festival also featured a "Clean Watershed - Clean Water" poster contest to educate local elementary school students about water quality issues.
MSA's committee also developed a detailed map of the watershed supporting Breakneck Creek, which is displayed at the festival and provided to the local high school for use in groundwater protection classes. The map is a creative tool to illustrate the size and geography of the watershed, as well as demonstrate how the community impacts the watershed and the wildlife that depend on it.
MSA is the single largest water user in the Evans City area. When the region was faced with a water shortage, MSA educated its associates with pamphlets and brochures to ensure that employees were taking water conservation measures in the workplace. MSA associates also worked with the local water authority to raise conservation awareness among residents and the community.
"MSA is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Breakneck Creek watershed and we're proud that Governor Schweiker and DEP Secretary Hess have recognized us for our efforts," said Brett Bosley, general manager, Callery Chemical Co. "The energy and enthusiasm of our associates and community participants have been key to our success in protecting and enhancing our regional environment and native wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations."
This year's 25 winners have proven their commitment to sustaining the health of Pennsylvania's watersheds. Collectively, they have removed 142,760 pounds of trash; installed 25,783 feet of streambank fencing; stabilized 3,752 feet of streambank; created 810 acres of wetlands; reclaimed 200 acres of abandoned mine land and improved 48.5 miles of mine drainage-polluted streams.
edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])