Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Environmental Award Presented

Tuscaloosa News, Business Scene 
Environmental Award Presented

11/20/11
The Friends of Hurricane Creek presented its first Environmental Stewardship Award to Opelika-based Scott Bridge Co. for its ecology-minded business practices in the creek area.

The environmental organization presented the award during its annual banquet and awards ceremony on Nov. 10 at Capstone Village on the University of Alabama campus.

“When rebuilding the railroad trestle over Hurricane Creek, Scott Bridge Co. has done an exemplary job of controlling erosion and runoff on their job site,” said Hurricane Creekkeeper John Wathen. “They have gone far beyond the minimum required by the law. In fact, there have been times when the water coming off of the site behind their turbidity curtains has been clearer than the water coming from upstream. Scott Bridge Co. showed up here and right away started not only replacing the bridge but helping storm victims and neighbors. They have shown nothing but the utmost respect for this waterway and our community.”

In addition to the award presentation, there were presentations on the effects of coal mining in Hurricane Creek, as well as a short presentation on the impacts of unrestrained development in the Hurricane Creek watershed. There was an auction of local creek-related artwork to raise money for clean-up efforts.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Alternative Disaster Response

Alternative Disaster Response

Friends of Hurricane Creek are provided the tools to demonstrate that there is a better way to handle tree debris from storms.
Many thanks to ALTEC Environmental Products for making dreams come true!

We will use a Wood Mizer to mill the trees that are suitable for lumber.









The rest we will use the donated ALTEC DC 1317 chipper to reduce it to useable chips for mulch!












Many thanks to ALTEC for helping us do it right!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Scott Bridge Co. Accepts Stewardship Award

Steve Gilbert, Scott Bridge Co, addresses FoHC

Scott Bridge Company's Steve Gilbert accepts "Environmental Stewardship Award" from Friends of Hurricane Creek.
 The award was given according to John L. Wathen, Hurricane Creekkeeper, for exemplary "Best Management Practices"

Wathen had this to say,
“While rebuilding the railroad trestle over Hurricane Creek, Scott Bridge Company has done an exemplary job of controlling erosion and runoff on their job site.  They have gone far beyond the minimum required by the law.  In fact, there have been times when the water coming off of the site behind their turbidity curtains has been clearer than the water coming from upstream.  Scott Bridge Co. showed up here and right away started not only replacing the bridge but helping storm victims and neighbors. They have shown nothing but the utmost respect for this waterway and our community.”