"Clean Water is Good Business"

On November 18, 2002, approximately 100 persons attended the "Clean Water is Good Business" program which highlighted ongoing efforts to protect the interstate Christina River Watershed. The event, held in Kennett Square, Pa., was hosted by the Christina Basin Clean Water Partnership.

The Christina River Watershed (or Basin) drains portions of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and includes the Christina River (which eventually flows into the Delaware River in Wilmington, Del.), Brandywine Creek, White Clay Creek, and Red Clay Creek. Welcoming remarks by DRBC Commissioners Irene Brooks and Kevin Donnelly.

Welcoming remarks by DRBC Commissioners Irene Brooks and Kevin Donnelly.

The keynote speakers were U.S. Representatives Joseph R. Pitts (Pa.-16th District) and Michael N. Castle (Del.-At Large), who represent most of the residents of the 565-square-mile interstate watershed. In addition to offering brief remarks, the congressmen shared copies of a joint letter they signed in strong support of a $1 million grant application to be submitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Delaware to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Watershed Initiative Grant program. The funds, if approved, would be used to continue the ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Christina Basin. Those in attendance were invited to sign a letter of support which will be sent to EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman.

Irene Brooks, who represents Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker on the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and Kevin Donnelly, Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner's representative on the DRBC, welcomed the attendees. A "State of the Watershed" presentation was provided by Jan Bowers (Chester County Water Resources Authority) and Gerald Kauffman (University of Delaware Water Resources Agency).

The program also featured a panel discussion moderated by DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier. Panelists included Jack Arrell (Hy Tech Mushrooms), Richard P.S. Hannum (East Marlborough Township, Pa.), Jamie Jamison (Brandywine Nurseries), John Johnson (West Chester Fish, Game & Wildlife), and Ted Reed (Penn American Water Company).

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