Allegheny CleanWays launching clean-up effort

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Thanks to the nonprofit organization Allegheny CleanWays, sections of the Mon Valley are going to be cleaner this summer.

According to the group’s 2017 Allegheny County Dump Site Survey and Assessment, three Mon Valley communities were among the survey’s top eight in the county containing the greatest number of dump sites.

Those communities were McKeesport (48 sites), Forward Township (28) and Clairton (15).

In addition, the survey shows McKeesport holds more than 221 tons of illegally dumped trash, with Jefferson Hills (46 tons) and Forward Township (35 tons) also named in the top eight communities with the most tonnage of dumped garbage.

Other Mon Valley communities identified as having illegal dumping sites are Elizabeth Township, Glassport, Port Vue and White Oak.

According to the survey, the three most common materials found at the sites were tires, renovation debris and household trash such as toys, clothing and furniture.

As a result of the survey, Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Cleanways will start in August its five-year strategic plan to remove 500 tons of illegally dumped garbage from the Mon Valley, beginning with McKeesport.

“The Mon Valley was one of the communities that had the highest amount of dumping in them,” said Allegheny CleanWays Executive Director Myrna Newman. “We approached them and said ‘Here’s what we found, we’re willing to help. What can we do to help?’ This is a battle all communities are fighting, we’re just here to assist.”

Allegheny CleanWays was formed in 2000 to engage and partner with community groups to remove dumps and debris from vacant lots, greenways, streets, and riverbanks. 

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