Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 1. Project Area Characteristics
burned. An estimated half of all mercury deposited within the U.S. comes from sources within the U.S.
(EPA, 2005). Approximately 40 percent of the domestic mercury released is from power plants that burn
coal. Of the mercury emissions from these plants, only one-third is deposited in the U.S.
Mercury emitted into the atmosphere eventually settles into water or onto land, where it is carried to
water by runoff. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic
form of mercury that accumulates in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish (EPA, 2005). Some species
of fish and shellfish amass more methylmercury than others; levels of methylmercury vary dependant
upon what they eat, how long they live, and their trophic level—where they are located on the food chain.
People are exposed to methylmercury primarily through the consumption of fish and shellfish. At
high levels, this exposure can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. In unborn
babies, newborns, and young children, high levels of methylmercury can affect the development of the
nervous system and impair their ability to learn (EPA, 2005).
The EPA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and individual states work together to establish local
fish advisories. These advisories suggest how often women who may become pregnant, pregnant women,
nursing mothers, and young children should eat certain types of fish. Advisories for men, women, and
children of all ages are issued when appropriate. Pennsylvania advisories are updated annually on DEP’s
website (keyword: fish advisories).
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania advises citizens to limit their consumption of recreationallycaught
sport fish from Pennsylvania waterways to no more than one half-pound meal per week. More
proactive advice is available for fish caught in the Allegheny River from the confluence of Potato Creek
to the Pennsylvania-New York border. It is recommended to limit consumption of recreationally-caught
smallmouth bass to one eight-ounce meal per month because of mercury accumulation. In addition, it is
recommended to limit consumption of carp caught from Tunungwant Creek between the confluence of
the East and West Branches of Tunungwant Creek and the Pennsylvania-New York border to two eightounce
meals per month (DEP, 2009b).
Impacts of Air Pollution
Air pollution negatively affects not only the air quality, but the economy, health, and the
environment as well. It contributes to land and water pollution, and alters the chemical makeup of streams
and soils. It can lead to impairment or destruction of habitats (through the loss of trees, plants, and
animals), decreased property values and incomes, and increased medical expenses and employee
absenteeism (Kling & Wuebbles, 2003).
Socioeconomic Profile
Land-Use Planning and Regulation
Land-use plans and regulations protect communities from unwanted land uses. The Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code grants municipalities land-use regulation capabilities, such as
comprehensive planning, zoning, subdivision regulation, and land-use ordinances. Unwanted or
uncontrolled land uses may result when these protective measures are not utilized. Land-use controls
utilized by municipalities are identified in Table 1-2 and Figure 1-3.
Comprehensive Plans
Comprehensive plans serve as a guide for public and private decisions to ensure appropriate
development activities. Many municipalities and counties recognize that without formal plans they may
be vulnerable to undesirable land uses through uncontrolled industrial, commercial, or residential
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