How to spend millions?

Out of the environmental tragedy that followed last year's train crash near Gardeau comes an opportunity to invest millions of dollars in watershed improvements, mostly in Cameron County.

Two seats remain open on a nine-member "stakeholders group" that will decide how to spend the money Norfolk Southern Railway will pay in fines. Citizens with experience or interest in environmental improvement or watershed restoration projects will be considered. To apply, call the Cameron County Conservation District at 486-9353.

Seven of the nine seats are reserved: a commissioner and a Conservation District member from both Cameron and McKean counties, and one representative each of three state agencies: Fish and Boat Commission, Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources.

Scope of the work could include improving habitat, reducing stream erosion and overheating through streamside tree plantings, and addressing acid mine drainage problems. The work area extends from the spill site, not far from Keating Summit, to the Wykoff Run area near Sinnemahoning in southern Cameron County.

On June 30, 2006, a Norfolk Southern train traveling south along the grade from Keating Summit to Gardeau derailed in McKean County. Three tanker cars ruptured, spilling more than 40,000 gallons sodium hydroxide.

During the next day and a half, the slug of pollution traveled down the Portage and Driftwood Branches of Sinnemahoning Creek, leaving a wake of devastation for upwards of 35 miles.

There were fish kills as far as 30 miles downstream. Aquatic insect populations were destroyed.

Water chemistry in the affected streams has returned to normal. In other aspects, however, it will still be several years before the waterways return to normal. Lacking in any significant numbers are the gamefish and minnow species that naturally reproduce.

In the meantime, legal proceedings continue. Norfolk Southern has contested the $8.9 million civil suit placed on it by DEP last October. The suit is tentatively scheduled to go before a judge next month. The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission has also filed criminal charges against Norfolk Southern and the train's engineer.