PROJECTS
Watershed Management
Developing the Saw Mill Run Integrated Watershed Management Plan
In 2015, the Saw Mill Run Watershed Association (now known as Watersheds of South Pittsburgh) in partnership with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, launched the development of the Saw Mill Run Integrated Watershed Management Plan. This ambitious project involved over 3 years of collaborative work among the 11 municipalities in the watershed, PWSA, ALCOSAN and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Integrated Watershed Management:
A collaborative process of managing human activities and natural resources on a watershed basis, taking into account social, economic and environmental issues, as well as local community interests and issues, such as the impacts of development and climate change.
Integrated watershed management seeks to create a resilient environment.
What pollutants are in the stream?
The SMR watershed is currently facing several significant water quality challenges.
These pollutants come from a combination of urban runoff, aging sewer infrastructure, and historical mining activities. Their impacts are felt throughout the watershed, from habitat destruction to public health concerns.
The main pollutants found in the stream include:
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Caused by combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and illicit discharges, these bacteria pose a health risk, especially for recreational water activities.
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Excess nutrients like total phosphorus are contributing to low dissolved oxygen levels, which harm aquatic life.
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Runoff from urban development and stormwater carries large amounts of sediment into the waterways, leading to habitat degradation.
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Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) sources introduce high concentrations of harmful metals into the stream, affecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
What are the recommendations?
These combined efforts are designed to reduce peak flows, improve water quality, and meet regulatory requirements such as the Clean Water Act.
To address these pollutants, the IWMP outlines a series of targeted recommendations, blending green infrastructure solutions with improvements to traditional sewer systems:
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Projects like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales will help manage stormwater at its source, reducing the volume and speed of water entering the system. This will reduce sediment and nutrient loads.
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Upgrades to the sewer system, including separation of stormwater from sewage, will prevent CSOs and SSOs. These upgrades will also address cross-connections and reduce illicit discharges.
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Stabilizing streambanks and restoring natural flow paths will reduce erosion and improve aquatic habitats. These projects also aim to reduce sediment loads and improve overall water quality.
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Installing treatment systems at key locations (e.g., the Route 51/Library Road area) will help remove harmful metals from the water before they enter the stream.
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By identifying and reducing the inflow of stormwater into sanitary sewers, we can reduce the strain on the sewer system and prevent overflows during heavy rain events.
How can we solve this through inter-governmental cooperation on water quality issues?
The success of the IWMP depends on strong inter-governmental collaboration. This plan involves multiple municipalities working together to address water quality challenges that cross political boundaries.
This collaborative approach allows for a more efficient and effective response to the challenges of managing stormwater and improving water quality in the SMR watershed. Working together, we can restore the health of our waterways and protect our communities from future water quality issues.
Here’s how we are fostering cooperation:
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The watershed spans 12 municipalities, including Baldwin Township, the City of Pittsburgh, and Mt. Lebanon Township. Each municipality has committed to working together to implement the IWMP’s recommendations, sharing both resources and responsibilities.
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By signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), municipalities can formalize cost-sharing agreements for projects like sewer upgrades, green infrastructure installations, and stream restoration. This cooperation ensures that no one community is left to tackle these issues alone.
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Collaborative efforts make it easier to secure state and federal funding. Together, the municipalities can pursue larger grants and cost-sharing opportunities from agencies like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Regular meetings between stakeholders ensure that progress is tracked, and adjustments are made where necessary. These meetings also facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge and resources across municipal lines.
Next Steps and Inter-Governmental Involvement
Moving forward, we encourage ongoing public engagement in this important effort. The success of the IWMP will rely not only on government action but also on community support. We invite you to learn more, participate in public meetings, and explore our digital Story Map, which provides an interactive overview of the IWMP’s projects and impacts.
Community Partners
