Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met March 9 and approved the February 10 meeting minutes. The council reviewed two land development plans. The first was a revised plan for Wiltshire Estates Phase III near Moon Clinton Road, which now reduces the number of units and eliminates dead ends by opening access. A site summary report included environmental analysis, wetlands, traffic impact, infrastructure demand, and common open space with native vegetation. The second was an amendment for an assisted living building off Broadhead Road, focusing on rezoning plans for the corridor.

The council discussed the former Sustainability Coordinator’s project list. Two council members are working on obtaining vendors for a farmers market; a possible relocation to the K-Mart parking lot was rejected after learning the cost was $10,000 per month. Public transit efforts have been passed to the township’s economic personnel. Fluorescent bulbs at the police station have been replaced with LEDs. A council member noted a potential grant for a fuel station and will write the request; another council member asked about retrofitting the fleet. A green roof feasibility study is on hold while the township debates building consolidation. Sustainable Pittsburgh has offered a pro-bono consultation on the best locations for 10 available solar panels.

For upcoming events, the council discussed Public Awareness Weekend on April 1 and 2, with a council member providing talking points. A shredding event is set for June 11, though not yet officially confirmed. Earth Day on April 24 will have the theme “Flower Power”; members observed a stormwater runoff model built by a public works employee and discussed making it interactive for kids. ASSET education is considering a honey bee demonstration and endangered native plants. A “Reduce Runoff” DVD will be shown on a continuous loop. The council voted to eliminate the kids’ planter activity due to new activities. A council member purchased an organizational membership in the Montour Run Watershed Associates and attended its monthly meeting. The Boggs School Road Cleanup is set for April 9 from 8 to 10 a.m., with nine RMU students volunteering. The council moved the June 7 meeting to June 1 due to recycling day on June 4. The council also discussed the Western Area Stormwater Advisory Group, including a rain barrel session planned for summer. A council member suggested another council member volunteer as the proposed Captain Stormwater mascot. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.