West Deer considering multimunicipal watershed study

West Deer supervisors could join a multimunicipal study of the Deer Creek Watershed to outline ways to improve water sources and residents’ access to them.

Spearheaded by the Alle­gheny County Conservation District, the study would leverage its support from watershed municipalities, which include Harmar and Frazer, to apply for state and federal grants.

“We all know we need water to drink and we need storm sewers to be in place,” said Heather Manzo, executive director of the conservation district. “But we also need collaboration. It’s how the needle gets moved.”

Deer Creek Watershed is one of two areas where the conservation district has prioritized work, said Amy Miller, watershed program manager.

The other is Plum Creek.

Municipalities in the Deer Creek Watershed include West Deer, Frazer, Indiana Township, Harmar, Richland, Hampton and Fox Chapel.

Miller presented the plan Wednesday to West Deer’s supervisors. She said there is no financial commitment required from the township, just an in-kind match of 120 volunteer hours on a steering committee.

Harmar and Frazer officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Miller’s group is seeking a commitment before April, which is the deadline to apply for a state grant through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The amount of the grant being pursued hasn’t been established, Manzo said.

It is the first of many potential grants that could be pursued by the group, she said.

“I think it’s a great idea to consider possibilities,” Supervisors Chairwoman Beverly Jordan said.

She suggested it be put on the March agenda for a vote.

The 14 square miles within the watershed includes rural residential properties, industrial development, minor agricultural areas and abandoned mines.

If approved, the money would help to develop a Rivers Conservation Plan to address natural resource issues and identify resources for implementable solutions, Miller said.

“We want to establish relationships and identify places where public dollars can be pursued,” Manzo said.

Issues to be explored include green space, trails, zoning and development.

“Communities will have access to expertise that will help them decide what they want their community to look like,” Manzo said.

“Once they have a plan, they can unlock additional grants that aren’t available without it.

“This gives them a road map that they’ve defined and a timeline they’ve decided on.”