The state Department of Environmental Protection hasn't explained what it hopes to accomplish by way of the $15,200 fine it has levied against the Butler Area Sewer Authority for the authority's failure to meet certain terms of a consent agreement that expired on Dec. 31.

What the fine does accomplish is remove $15,200 of authority funds that could have been used to help BASA comply with DEP edicts.

The fine is counterproductive to the state agency's purported goal of promoting a safe environment. Of course, the fine is an ego-booster for DEP officials in terms of demonstrating their power.

While the right to issue the fine cannot be disputed, DEP's judgment in issuing the penalty at this time can be questioned — and should be, especially by state lawmakers representing the BASA service area.

The fine will do nothing in terms of accomplishing what DEP wants done; in fact, it could hinder it.

The heavy-handedness that DEP has displayed in regard to the BASA system's problems hasn't enhanced the state agency's image. That heavy-handedness also doesn't complement DEP's efforts aimed at ensuring a safe environment.

Some would say DEP's attitude toward BASA's perceived failures merely pollutes the mutual cooperation necessary in addressing the environmental issues in question.

II-VI continues to show great faith in Butler County as evidenced by its new $14 million, 60,000-square-foot building in Clinton Township. It's confidence in the county should serve as an incentive for companies looking for new homes or expanded operations to look to this county as well.The positive message from this II-VI expansion is punctuated by the fact that this is a company with 1,750 employees worldwide yet it chooses not to be lured to some other region of the country."We are successful here with the talent pool of employees from the tri-state region," said Lawrence Nitoski, director of Asia manufacturing and general manager for manufacturing support. "We and our employees have found that Butler County is a good place to raise a family with diverse cultural and entertainment opportunities just an hour's drive away in Pittsburgh."The expansion means 134 new jobs, half of which already have been filled.While II-IV continues to prove why it's a great employment asset locally and a great asset to the high-tech world of today — the company manufactures optics and electronic components and grows synthetic crystals for industrial and military applications — the state also deserves praise for its support for the company.The commonwealth awarded a $250,000 opportunity grant to II-VI, provided $350,000 in job-training credits and $400,000 in tax credits based on the new jobs to be created.In addition to its Pennsylvania operations, II-VI has facilities in Florida, Texas, California and New Jersey, as well as in China, Vietnam and Singapore.The new building has excess space for future needs. Judging from II-IV's consistent record of successes since its founding in 1971, it will not be long before the company will be putting that space to good use.

Cranberry Township officials are justified in expressing pride in the success of Collection Connection, the municipality's year-old curbside garbage pickup and recycling program.Just from the standpoint of recyclable materials, the program has resulted in more than a doubling over what was collected during the year prior to the program's implementation.During the first full year of the program, the township's garbage hauler collected 12,683 tons of garbage, recyclables and yard waste from the township's 7,700 residential customers.Collection Connection began in late 2004.The program's success has now been recognized by the state via the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. Candidates for the award are evaluated on the basis of overall environmental benefit, public service, economic impact, use of innovative technology, teamwork and environmental education.But the program couldn't be successful without residents' cooperation and support.Cheers to all involved in Collection Connection.