Education & Awareness

Citizens in the California-Kirkbride neighborhood and Allegheny CleanWays DumpBusters have just completed a cleanup on Morrison Street hilltop that extended down the hillside almost to Brighton Road.  The multi-day cleanup took place on Monday, November 8th, 15th and 22nd 2010.

The steep wooded hillside that starts at the top of Morrison St. and continues down to Brighton Rd., has over the years been a dumping ground for tires (many with rims), seats out of vehicles, windshields, radios and various car/truck parts. (Maybe from a garage?).

University of Pittsburgh researchers have found high levels of mercury and estrogen in the fish caught in our three rivers. The research team also found fish that had neither male nor female reproductive organs. Since 2008, the river has filled each summer with levels of contaminants higher than in at least 10 years.  Researchers think the chemicals are accumulating in the fish because “vast quantities” of human waste containing pharmaceutical byproducts are running into local rivers from untreated sewage. Many people have gotten into the habit of flushing waste pharmaceuticals down the toilet because it is convenient, low cost, and prevents unintended use or other diversion. There are better options.

Has this beautiful weather put you in the cleaning mode? Do you have cans of old paint, solvents, cleaners, antifreeze, paint thinners, chemical strippers, insecticides, kerosene, lighter fluid, lye, mothballs, pool chemicals or other household hazardous waste products to dispose of?  Even a can or two of mystery stuff?

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has released reports for the City of Pittsburgh, along with 13 counties, from their Illegal Dumpsite Survey Program. 279 dumpsites with a total estimated tonnage of 676 tons were located within the city. Completed surveys are available for downloading on the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website Pittsburgh Illegal Dumps Survey. Click here for the updated map.