Protect Our Waterways Together
Protect Your Drinking Water- Protect Your Watersheds
Who We Are
The Aquashicola Pohopoco Watershed Conservancy was founded in 2001 as a watchdog organization to monitor our streams and educate our local residents on the importance of clean water. Volunteers sample selected sites for water quality, participate in stream clean-ups, roadside clean-ups, and share their knowledge and experience with others. We meet 6 times a year at the Polk Township Municipal Building (if the weather is bad we do a virtual meeting) where we get together to discuss stream monitoring, pollution and other threats, plan educational and community events, engage in improvement plans such as planting riparian barriers that act as filters for runoff into the streams, and most of all -- enjoy time with other members who appreciate and value our watershed.
Our Mission-
At APWC, our mission is to protect and preserve the Aquashicola and Pohopoco watersheds and our drinking water. We believe in empowering our community through education and active participation in conservation efforts.
Our Values
At APWC, we are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do. We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the planet, and we strive to inspire others to join us in this mission.
Reporting Pollution- How To Take Action!
Stormwater Runoff
Illegal Trash Dumps
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation amounts exceeds the absorbtion capacity of the ground. The resulting runoff flows downhill to the nearest body of water, carrying silt, sediment, manure, and any chemicals such as oil and fertilizers. This results in a pollution event.
First Action- Take Pictures, then-
Call your Conservation District!
Stream Erosion
Illegal Trash Dumps
Stormwater Runoff
Heavy rains/ heavy and fast snow melts can cause catastrophic flooding which in turn can rapidly erode stream banks. This can cause damage to roads, structures, and property to the extent that roads can become impassible and structures unstable and not safe for habitation. Permenant changes to the stream bed are also possible.
First Action- Do not endanger yourself!
Call Your Conservation District!
Chemical Spills
Illegal Trash Dumps
Illegal Trash Dumps
Spills can be several types- hazardous and non- hazardous, liquid or solid. All are bad for our streams. Liquids are much harder to contain and often worse. Included are fuel oils, sewage sludge, and other liquid chemicals. Solids can be anything- truck cargoes, illegal contaminated soil dumps, and more. Pictured here is a nurdle spill in Pocono Creek. Nurdles are lentil sized beads of plastic that are melted into plastic items. These nurdles are impossible to really clean up.
First Action- Take Pictures, then-
Call Your Conservation District!
Illegal Trash Dumps
Illegal Trash Dumps
Illegal Trash Dumps
Illegal trash dumps are, sadly, too common in our area. Most municipalities do not provide household trash pickup. leaving homeowners on their own to hire a collection service. If they cannot afford that, they simply dump their trash where ever they think it won't be discovered. All too often, that means our streams and wetlands. Or a deserted section of road with a handy pull over spot.
First Action- take pictures, then call Monroe County Waste Authority at (570) 643-6100. You can file a written report by clicking on the button-.