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As
a part of PECO’s Environmental Initiative and LEED certification
process, existing turfgrass areas at the company’s Berwyn Complex in
Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, and its Warminster Service
Building in Bucks County are being converted to native warm season
grasses. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, targeted herbicide
treatments were applied to approximately 20 acres of land at the two
properties to remove the existing turfgrass. These areas were then
drill-seeded with a native meadow grass seed mix consisting of four (4)
different types of grasses: Little Blue Stem (PA Ecotype), Purple Top,
Broomsedge, and Indian Grass (PA Ecotype). The grasses will mature in
about three years and will range from 3 to 5 feet in height.
PECO initiated this conversion because native grass landscapes provide
numerous and substantial environmental, economic, and community
benefits. Well-adapted to local soils, climate, and hydrology, native
grasses are much easier and less costly to maintain than turfgrass.
Their deep roots and dense growth stabilize the soil, reducing the risk
of erosion, and help slow stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate
into the soil right where it falls, and purifying it along the way.
Native grasses do not require regular applications of pesticides,
herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers – chemicals which severely
undermine the health of aquatic ecosystems in our region including, most
notably, the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Addition, regular mowing will no
longer be performed, substantially reducing fossil-fuel use, carbon
emissions, and noise pollution.
Recognizing that such native grass landscapes retain more stormwater
on-site, reducing seasonal flooding and burdens on municipal
infrastructure, officials from both townships have asked that these
conversions serve as pilot projects, and further, they have asked PECO
and it’s consultant team for assistance in amending current ordinances
to promote similar projects elsewhere in the future.
PECO is excited about this progressive initiative and the significant
benefits that it could bring to communities and neighborhoods
everywhere. As the energy transmission and distribution company serving
the entire southeastern Pennsylvania region, PECO is directly
responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of thousands of acres of
land. If successful, this initiative could open the door to similar
projects at PECO sites and right-of-ways across the entire region,
resulting in substantial positive environmental impact.
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Regional Project Profile
