PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bob Flatley
Sierra Club, Kittatinny Group at 610-683-4168

Sierra Club Awards Grant to East Penn Valley Resident Group

The Kittatinny Group of the Sierra Club awards a grant to the East Penn Valley Resident Group to fight the proposed Lehigh Cement Quarry in Richmond Township . 

May 6, 2008: The Kittatinny Group of the Sierra Club of Pennsylvania voted at its February meeting to support the East Penn Valley Resident Group with a $500 grant in its fight to stop the proposed Lehigh Cement Quarry in Richmond Township. We believe that the proposed Lehigh Cement Quarry will have harmful effect on the regional environment including the loss of over 200 acres of farmland and the noise and pollution associated with a quarry operation. However, our primary concern centers on the impact to the local water supply. The proposed quarry site is located in a naturally wet area near several streams and creeks. It is estimated that the quarry will draw over 22 million gallons per month from local water sources in its operation. The water will be discharged into the Moslem / Maiden Creek streams threatening the wetlands and habitat and ultimately impacting the drinking water supply for the city of Reading .  This major draw down of water has the potential to effect local wells and the municipal water supplies of Kutztown, Fleetwood, and Topton Boroughs. The grant will be used to assist the group in its publicity and outreach efforts.

For further information: Bob Flatley, e4bob@yahoo.com , 610-756-6625

The Sierra Club's mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of earth's ecoystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives. The Kittatinny ( Berks County area) Group, in concert with the national Sierra Club and the Pennsylvania Chapter, works on local, regional, state, and national environmental issues. The group organizes local nature outings, holds public informational meetings, and evaluates environmental records of local political candidates. To learn more about the group visit our web site at http://pennsylvania.sierraclub.org/berks