State Rep. Christina Sappey and volunteers during a recent clean up of storm damage near the Brandywine.
State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, publicly thanked groups and individuals that participated in cleanup efforts near the Brandywine Picnic Park on Saturday.
In the wake of Tropical Storm Ida last fall, a large amount of debris from the river and the surrounding neighborhoods had been deposited on the park and surrounding properties.
Responding to residents’ concerns and individuals interested in lending a hand, Sappey’s office connected community volunteers and businesses with the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, a local watershed conservation group, and the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA) to organize the cleanup of the site.
“It was inspiring to see neighbors come together to participate in this cleanup effort — fittingly on Earth Day Weekend — to help keep the waterway clean, protect the environment and restore the scenic beauty of the area,” Sappey said. “Volunteers worked for months to organize and were ultimately successful without the use of any state or federal grants.”
Sappey expressed special thanks to SECCRA, which waived the dumping fees for this clean up effort.
“The flooding following Tropical Storm Ida on Sept. 1, 2021, had a devastating impact on residents and landowners in our region. BRC is pleased to play a part in this cleanup effort,” said Jim Jordan, executive director and CEO of BRC. “Brandywine Red Clay Alliance has led our Brandywine Clean Up for over 25 years and today cleaned up over 20 miles of roads and trails in Pocopson, Downingtown, Modena and Beaver Valley in Delaware County. These cleanup events will help to improve our Brandywine Watershed for future generations.”
At least 10 full sized dumpsters of debris were successfully removed from the picnic park area in East Bradford, Pocopson and Birmingham Townships.
Steve Fanelli, a local businessman and organizing volunteer added, “This area is my home, I have lived here for decades, I walk my dog every morning along the river, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the natural undisturbed landscape as do thousands of other residents. I felt compelled to restore this section of the river to its former beauty.”
The full list of organizing individuals and businesses includes: A.J. Blosenski Inc., SECCRA, Great Valley Propane, Bud Haly, Knox Rentals, Mark Bruno, Terra Technical Services, The Fence Authority and John DiGiuseppe.
