Two recent stories in the Eagle were good examples of how some county residents are being great stewards for the environment in their communities.

In one story, residents voiced their concerns about a development that they believe could endanger a nearby creek, while in the other residents took time out of their day to assist in the cleanup of another creek. In the case of the latter, it’s a shame that their services were required.

In the first story, appellants filed a lawsuit against the Slippery Rock Township Zoning Hearing Board on the grounds that a virtual meeting did not provide an adequate environment to interpret a request by Heilman Pavement Specialties to build an asphalt mixing plant along Stoughton Road.

The appellants, who live near the proposed property, are fearful that the development would negatively affect the environment, wildlife and air quality in the area, including Slippery Rock Creek, which they noted is a known spot for visits by eagles.

While we’ll reserve commentary on the lawsuit — it should be noted that the next zoning hearing board meeting to discuss the matter will be in person — it’s great to see residents getting involved in a matter that concerns the protection of the local environment.

In another story, the Allegheny Aquatic Alliance conducted its 10th annual cleanup of Connoquenessing Creek this past weekend, removing loads of trash from the creek.

We applaud those who turned out to help. As for those who made the event necessary, not so much.

Alliance board members said that more than 300 tires, a large industrial dumpster load of trash and other garbage were removed from the waterway during the event. During its 10 years of cleanups at the site, volunteers have removed 7,500 tires and 627,000 pounds of trash from the creek.

It’s unfortunate and shameful that some people would use such a beautiful site in the community as their personal trashcan. But we’re fortunate to have civic-minded residents in the area who are willing to donate their time to clean up after others.

In the case of both stories, we’d like to thank the county residents who do their part to ensure that their natural environment remains clean and safe.

— NCD