After a recent visit in the spring, Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, felt invigorated after touring part of the Westinghouse property with their employees. The excitement came after learning about the pre-construction work and stormwater modifications for a proposed new facility on their site. 

The stormwater modifications include implementation of an Army Corp approved Nationwide Permit 27 for wetlands enhancement. They have created a stream with purposeful meanders, riffles, and pools that will provide habitat for all types of wildlife.

During the visit, Jay heard the songs of white-eyed vireo, blue-grey gnatcatchers, and Northern parulas as they were claiming their breeding territory in the area. Westinghouse has also installed blue bird and owl nesting boxes on their site.

The purpose of the stream is to separate natural stormwater that comes onto the site from Bluff Rd. from the industrial stormwater. Hundreds of native plants were installed along the sides of the stream to prevent erosion while at the same time providing additional habitat for wildlife. The stream could become one of the most biodiverse areas of any WAIT partner in the state and we are very excited they completed this enhancement project.

Learn more about our WAIT program here.