Mars Borough, by mandate from Federal and State Government regarding “Stream restoration,” is moving forward with MS4 work in Mars Borough and along Breakneck Creek. The purpose is to make Breakneck Creek a natural channel to become a regenerative stormwater conveyance, to remove legacy sediment, to make possible stream modifications intended to restore natural forms and processes that reduce streambank or streambed erosion, and to capture pollutants. For the current MS4 permit, the pollutant of concern is sediment.
The goal is to apply a comprehensive approach that may employ different aspects to plan for community awareness and involvement, and appropriate work on one or more site(s), creating long-term stability of the stream. This may lead to a conservation group being formed for the Breakneck Watershed.
Earlier in 2021 the Borough began conversations with nearby Chatham University and some of their graduate students interested in public care of the environment. These conversations included how to involve citizens and/or residents to help in planning and implementing a response to this mandate.
On Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Mars Applefest in downtown Mars, the students had conversations with residents of Mars and those in the surrounding areas to talk about the Breakneck Watershed. It was good to listen and collect information.
Out of these conversations came a plan to engage the public to raise awareness and gain feedback. These conversations will happen in various locations over the next several weeks.
On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the first conversation happened at Penn Mar Plaza Senior Center on Pittsburgh Street in Mars. Students and residents had an informative and enjoyable evening together discussing the Breakneck Watershed as valued natural resource.
You are invited to attend one of the following to participate and share in helping restore and protect the Breakneck Creek.
Awareness & Conversation Meetings
– Thursday, November 4, 2021 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Stick City Brewing on Irvine Street in Mars.
– Thursday, November 11, 2021 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the large conference room in the Mars Library (use the side door on Grand Avenue for entering rather than the main library doors).
If you are unable to make one of these meetings please fill the survey out line by clicking on the link below.
We are looking for community member input on how you have personally been affected by storm water (including mitigation efforts such as french drains, sump pumps, etc.) and are seeking feedback on desired solutions.
Thank you for your contributions!
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/n1aRDVh4TQ5pMw3Y6
