West Norriton Earns Grant For Machinery To Remove Invasive Species From Schuylkill River

WEST NORRITON, PA — West Norriton Township has earned a grant from Pennsylvania American Water to buy special machinery to remove invasive species from the Schuylkill River, officials announced.

The grant is one of eight grants disbursed to similar environmental projects across the state. Altogether, the grants amount to about $30,000.

A panel of judges selected West Norriton's application out of a pile of nearly 40 others.

The grant is for $5,000 and will support the purchase of machinery for the township's Schuylkill River Invasive Weeds project, which aims to remove invasive vegetation from the Norristown Basin of the river to improve river ecology.

Previously, the Valley Forge Watershed Association agreed that they needed to purchase an Ecoharvester to remove the weeds, primarily Eurasian watermilfoil. The weeds cause various problems, ranging from interfering with water recreation to restricting the access of first responders who respond to rescue calls on the river. That's aside from a mountain of ecological issues.

The price tag for the Ecoharvester is $85,000.

“Each year, we receive an impressive list of applicants who are working to protect watersheds and sustain our environment,” said President Jeffrey McIntyre of Pennsylvania American Water. “Partnerships are the key to achieving goals, and we’re proud to partner with West Norriton Township and other key stakeholders to help achieve their goals of protecting our natural resources now and in the future.”

In addition to West Norriton Township, Pennsylvania American Water awarded grants to Allegheny Land Trust (AlleghenyCounty); California University of Pennsylvania (Washington County); Delaware River Basin Commission (Bucks and Northampton counties); Misericordia University (Luzerne County); River Alert Information Network (Washington County); South Fayette Conservation Group (Allegheny County); and Upper Allen Township (Cumberland County).

Photo via PA American Water. In the photo (L-R): Pennsylvania American Water Senior Supervisor Paul Hoffman; West Norriton Township Manager Jason Bobst; Pennsylvania American Water Operations Superintendent James Gable; Port Indian Civil Boating Association President Curt Huston; and West Norritown Township Environmental Advisory Council Chairman James Watters.