PWSA Director Bob Weimar and Chief of Operations Guy Costa from the City attended last night’s Allegheny Commons Initiative meeting. We discussed the history of the issues surrounding Lake Elizabeth and were brought up to speed on the latest discussions between DPW and PWSA for addressing the current lake concerns:
- PWSA is now subject to the PA Public Utilities Commission regulations, with their core responsibilities to provide safe and reliable drinking water, convey sewage and manage storm water. As a result, PWSA has very limited ability to expend funds that do not directly benefit their ratepayers and therefore will not pay for the installation of the aerators in Lake Elizabeth.
- PWSA will be working with the DPW to identify some possible solutions such as the treating the water with small amounts of Algaecide. The City will be working to identify funding to pay for the electrical infrastructure needed to power the aerators. They are committed to draining and cleaning out the lake on a more regular basis to decrease the amount of organic material that contributes to the algae blooms and overall unsightliness of the lake.
- The DPW asked the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to help organize a volunteer event to remove debris from the lake. I will be at the lake 8am this Saturday morning with gloves, trash bags, and a few rakes/shovels. Please register online here if you can join: https://www.showclix.com/event/lake-elizabeth-clean-up
- The DPW understands that they will need to go into the lake and power wash following the removal of debris. They explained that this work will happen quicker with the support of volunteers. So please consider joining me on Saturday morning!
What else can the community do to help?
- If you cannot volunteer, we could still use rakes and shovels. PPC will provide gloves and trash bags. I can pick up items on Thursday or Friday if you are willing to let us borrow, feel free to text/call or email 201-669-9046
- Contact Councilwoman Harris and request that she put $ in the capital budget for 2019 for the aeration system for the lake. 412-255-2135, darlene.harris@pittsburghpa.gov
- Help make the power washing and refilling of the lake a priority for DPW by continuing to send in 311 calls, contacting Councilwoman Harris at 412-255-2135 and contacting the Mayor’s office 412-255-2626
- Please attend your local community group meetings where I attend and provide park updates and can be available to answer questions. Or reach out to me directly and let’s meet for coffee!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks all for your continued support and advocacy for the park!
Erin Tobin
Community Outreach Coordinator
