Researchers from Duquesne, Chatham to study water quality of Little Buffalo Creek

Researchers from Duquesne and Chatham universities will conduct testing of Little Buffalo Creek and its tributaries to try to determine the source of pollution that is sullying their waters.

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania landed a $13,700 grant to pay for the testing, which will be done this year by Duquesne researcher Brady Porter and Chatham’s Ryan Utz.

Utz said he will survey the Little Buffalo Creek area for aquatic invertebrates, especially insects, in an effort to understand what is happening with the water quality in the area.

“Some are environmentally sensitive and disappear with just a little stress while others are highly tolerant,” Utz said. “By sampling and assessing these organisms throughout the watershed we hope to pinpoint any acute sources of impact.”

The Little Buffalo Creek watershed includes Sarver Run and Little Buffalo Creek in Buffalo, Winfield, Clinton, and Jefferson townships. It is part of the larger Buffalo Creek watershed, which is known for its rich environmental quality and beauty in Butler and Armstrong counties.

Pollution problems in the area were flagged last year in a report by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, which tapped existing water quality studies from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The report revealed a “huge extent of impairment” and noted that the waterways didn’t meet state water quality requirements, according to Sarah Koenig, Audubon’s conservation director.

Audubon reported that almost 65% of the water in Little Buffalo Creek and its tributaries were impaired.

The $13,700 grant from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds will pay for various types of water quality sampling, including macroinvertebrate surveys, water chemistry sampling and fish surveys.

Audubon, which owns some property in the watershed, offers environmental programs for the public and has said wants to find out the sources of the pollution.