Riverkeeper reflections |
 A wide variety of plastics are seen on a small island just below Williamsport's Greevy Boat Launch. Photo by Michael Kinney A Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association poll of people who use our river in very different ways highlighted a very similar concern.
Plastics have infiltrated our aquatic ecosystem and become a major threat. The 16 people polled, including everyone from professional anglers to college professors and state agency researchers, responded with an average score of 7.375 out of 10 as far as their state of concern about plastics in our waterways – with 10 indicating “worst possible threat to our ecosystem.” “I have fished the river ever since I was a baby,” said 16-year-old Ty Magargle, of Danville, a three-time BASSMASTER state champion angler who has fished lakes and rivers all across the country. “Throughout my life, the river has gotten worse with plastics and trash along the shore and floating in the current.”
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 Riverkeeper's note: This is one of several new articles involving the massive surge of data center proposals across the greater watershed and what it may mean, how to get involved and what impacts there could be. They will be compiled into a special report once all components are complete.
When a 1,000-acre data center was proposed within a half-mile of Isabella Bevilacqua’s Covington Township (Lackawanna County) home, she felt a need to get involved – especially after officials pushed through the application despite opposition of 500 of her neighbors and friends who showed up to the hearing. “One of the biggest drivers for me is the lack of transparency, which is not acceptable when you're accountable to taxpayers,” she said. “Also, the deforestation, destruction to protected wetlands, lack of environmental/health impact studies and the threat of light, noise and air pollution is deeply concerning. Not to mention, of course, the water. We're on a well, we depend on the health of the aquifer for our water needs.” She didn’t realize getting involved would catapult her into a regional leader for data center opposition, but now she is regularly in contact with concerned citizen groups all across the state.  More than 40 people participated in the July 14, 2026, Floating Classroom aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat.
They learned about plastics and the Susquehanna River. The cruise included a presentation by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky on the lower level about plastics, why they are such a concern, what forms they come in and the issues with single-use plastics. The program included an opportunity to talk about potential realistic solutions . Nearly 50 people participate in July 7 Floating Classroom aboard Hiawatha on geology and history7/8/2026  Nearly 50 people joined the first Floating Classroom of the 2026 season aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat near Williamsport.
The theme of the July 7 cruise, geological history of the Susquehanna River, included presentations by Central PA Rock and Mineral Club president Andrew Rockhound and club vice president Gunner Kuhn. |
AuthorsRiverkeeper John Zaktansky is an award-winning journalist and avid promoter of the outdoors who loves camping, kayaking, fishing and hunting with the family. Archives
August 2026
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