Edgeworth officials tap O'Hara company for stream bank project

Edgeworth officials have approved a contract with an O’Hara Township company to reduce pollution in an Ohio River tributary.

Council voted 6-0 on Jan. 18 in favor of Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor for a stream bank restoration project along Creek Drive.

Councilman Daniel Wilson was absent.

The tributary is colloquially called Way Hollow Run.

The near $142,500 contract includes removal of vegetation, regrading and stabilization of the stream bank and planting of other foliage.

The company was the lowest of six bidders after one business, Independent Enterprises of Oakdale, withdrew its bid due to a mathematical error, borough manager John Schwend said.

Schwend said the project helps the borough meet Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements, specifically the pollutant reduction plan.

“It will reduce sediment that impacts the Ohio River in a negative fashion,” he said. “(The new plants will) have nice healthy roots that hold the stream bank back … This is one of the only areas that were identified by the engineer that we could do this for our PRP.”

This will be the first project in the borough for Gary Metzinger Cement Contractor.

Schwend said they were recommended by borough engineer Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering.

Council president Joseph Hoepp said he is excited to see the project move forward.

“We’ve been working on that project for quite a while,” he said. “There’s so much to do with these projects.”

Work is expected to begin mid-February provided the borough can acquire an easement from a nearby private property owner. It is unclear when it may be completed.