Building Our Future Home While Staying True to Our Conservation Mission

leahfuller36
4 days ago
4 min read

Five years ago, ClearWater Conservancy identified the need to expand the pace and scope of our conservation mission to permanently protect and connect local landscapes and waterways here in Central Pennsylvania.

Envisioned was a place where both people and nature can connect and grow. This place – the Hamer Community Conservation Center – will be located along Spring Creek, in the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed where so much of our work has been focused. The Center will be home to offices, gathering spaces and outdoor demonstration areas where everyone can experience and contribute to conservation efforts in our local region.

Today, that dream has become a reality. Anyone in the community can drive by our active construction site and see the process of our new home being built. As a conservation organization, construction and development aren’t part of our day-to-day work. That’s why we want to share exactly how we’re ensuring this project is done in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

In Pennsylvania, all earth disturbance activities fall under Title 25, Chapter 102 of the Pennsylvania Code, which governs Erosion and Sediment Control. Chapter 102 mandates the use of best management practices (BMPs) – a set of proven structures and techniques that prevent erosion and keep soil out of waterways. Construction professionals rely on BMPs to maintain environmental integrity during construction and land-disturbing activities.

Erosion and Sediment Controls (E&S Controls) are measures designed to prevent soil from eroding and sediment from entering streams. Erosion refers to the wearing away of land by water, wind, or chemicals, while sedimentation is the movement and deposition of that soil elsewhere. The primary goal of the controls is to keep soil on-site to protect water quality.

When sediment gets into our waterways, tiny particles can stay floating in the water, making it look cloudy. This cloudiness, called turbidity, blocks sunlight from reaching plants, which slows their growth and reduces food for aquatic animals. Sediment also makes life harder for fish and invertebrates by clogging their gills and filling the interstitial spaces between rocks, making it difficult for them to breathe under water, and see and find food.

Best Management Practices Implemented on Site:

Filter/Silt Socks: Fabric tubes filled with mulch or compost that act as barriers to sedimentation while naturally filtering runoff.
Rock Construction Entrances: A layer of gravel placed over filter cloth creates a stabilized entrance that removes mud and sediment from vehicle tires, minimizing soil tracking onto public roads.
Stormwater Conveyance System: This integrated system of channels and basins is designed to collect, slow, and direct surface runoff safely into undisturbed vegetated areas that would eventually lead to the creek without causing erosion or flooding. Water from higher elevations flows into these vegetated basins, which stabilize soil and filter runoff.

When ClearWater finalized the purchase of the 8.78-acre historic rural property along Houserville Road in 2022, the land came with a barn, farmhouse, and open fields. The existing septic system on the site had been installed decades ago and was designed to serve a small farmhouse, not a modern facility.

Because it had been grandfathered under older regulations, the system was not compliant with current environmental and health standards. Upgrading the system on-site wasn’t possible due to footprint limitations and the proximity to Spring Creek, a sensitive waterway we are committed to protecting.

Conventional septic systems depend on soil to treat wastewater as it drains through the ground. Our property is very rocky, which makes it unsafe to install a septic system near a stream. Rocky soil doesn’t filter nutrients or toxins well, so contaminants can easily reach surface water and groundwater, creating health and environmental risks. Because of this, we looked for other options and decided to connect to the municipal sanitary system across the stream.

Before any work could begin, the team was required to secure General Permit 5 (Utility Line Stream Crossing) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This permit ensures that projects crossing streams are designed and executed in ways that protect water quality and aquatic habitats.

Engineers considered running the sewer line down Houserville Road and across the nearby bridge, as well. However, this would require heat tape and electricity along the entire span to prevent freezing in winter – a solution that was not economically feasible.

“We chose to bore under the stream because that’s actually a more environmentally friendly way to do that, rather than open cut through the stream,” said Michael Vaow, project manager and environmental designer at Stahl Sheaffer Engineering.

The horizontal directional drilling starts outside the floodway and goes a minimum of 6 feet below the creek bed. Horizontal directional drilling minimizes surface disturbance and environmental impacts entirely. Additionally, erosion and sediment controls are installed at both entry and exit points to prevent soil from entering the waterway.

The Hamer Community Conservation Center is more than a building to us – it’s a commitment to the future of conservation in central Pennsylvania. Every decision, from the location to the construction methods, reflects our dedication to protecting Spring Creek and the surrounding landscapes for generations to come.

By implementing best management practices and working closely with engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies, we’ve ensured that this project aligns with our mission: safeguarding water quality, preserving habitats, and creating a space where people and nature thrive together.

As we look ahead, the Hamer Community Conservation Center will serve as a hub for education, engagement, and action. It’s a place where community members can connect and contribute to conservation efforts that make a lasting impact. Together, we’re building a future where conservation is at the heart of our community.

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at contactus@clearwaterconservancy.org.Your voice and support make all the difference.