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PITTSBURGH, PA -- Hands-on science activities, exhibits, tours and sewer robot demonstrations are just some of the highlights of the ALCOSAN Open House to be held on Saturday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine.
The Open House, designed for children and adults, provides an opportunity for the public to see first hand the operations at the Ohio Valley's largest sewage treatment plant, learn through hands-on science experiments, and participate in environmental education activities.
"Our Open Houses have gained popularity in the last few years with over 1,000 people expected to attend this year's event," said ALCOSAN Executive Director Arletta Scott Williams. "With the region facing up to $3 billion in federally mandated wastewater conveyance and treatment upgrades to address sewer overflows in the coming years, it is important that citizens are aware of ALCOSAN's environmental stewardship and important role in protecting public health," she said.
The event's highlights include watching a sewer robot in action and the premier of ALCOSAN's newly redesigned mascot Frankie the Fish. Visitors of all ages can have their picture taken with Frankie throughout the day.
Other activities planned include bus tours of the 56-acre facility, tours of the Laboratory, a virtual tour of a sewer line, food, giveaways, and games. Exhibitors include The Pittsburgh Voyager, The Great American Science Show, Allegheny Earth Force, Pennsylvania Resources Council, and Nine Mile Run Watershed who will be selling rain barrels on-site.
Middle and high school students should speak with their teachers to learn about the opportunity to earn extra-credit for school by participating in the water environment focused science experiments.
"Visitors to the Open House always come to the treatment facility with one set of perceptions and leave astonished over the size of the facility, the technology utilized in purifying wastewater, and of course, all of the fun activities that the event has to offer," Williams said.
ALCOSAN is in the middle of a $400 million capital improvement program, which began in 1998, to address odor control, treatment capacity and federal wet weather abatement mandates. Located along the Ohio River on Pittsburgh's Northside, ALCOSAN treats an average of 200 million gallons of wastewater daily representing treatment service from 320,000 customers in 83 communities including the City of Pittsburgh.
The entire event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Plenty of free on site parking. ALCOSAN is located 1-1/2 miles from the North Side end of the West End Bridge (follow Chateau Street for one light and one stop sign, continue straight for three blocks to ALCOSAN) and is on Port Authority's 16D bus route. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about the event, call (412) 732-8002 or visit ALCOSAN's website at http://www.alcosan.org/
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