Recovery Act Projects Help Protect Red And White Clay Creeks

With 62 mushroom growers, Chester County still tops the nation when it comes to mushroom production. In the 2009-2010 growing season, the county produced 351 million pounds of mushrooms, accounting for almost half of the total U.S. crop. However, this mass production creates tons of compost that must be properly handled to prevent runoff into nearby Red and White Clay Creeks.

Over the past year, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Chester County Conservation District have worked with three area mushroom growers to improve storage structures and composting methods in order to prevent runoff. Storage tanks and collection boxes have been designed and built, in some cases to make it possible to reuse waste water to create compost; existing wharfs (concrete slabs that hold compost) have been stabilized, and curbs have also been installed around the wharfs.

Funding for these projects was provided by NRCS through President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. In addition to these efforts, NRCS is using ARRA funds to update aging flood control structures, protect and maintain water supplies, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands. NRCS has also used ARRA funds to acquire easements and restore floodplains safeguarding lives and property in areas along streams and rivers that frequently flood.

NRCS provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and private landowners to install conservation practices that improve natural resources. For more information, visit www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov.

SOURCE: Natural Resources Conservation Service