Sattler has an undergraduate degree from Temple University in psychology and biology and a graduate degree from Bucknell University in ecology. DEP has historically addressed pollution by regulating discharges from known sources. Efforts to reduce this form of pollution have been very successful over the past 30 years and water quality degradation from point source pollution is no longer the problem it once was. This pollution comes from diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff, acid mine drainage, urban runoff, failed septic systems and air deposition. Watersheds are areas of land that drain to a common river, stream or lake.
Pollutants travel through a watershed to that common body of water.
The watershed serves as an ecological system to address many water resource problems in a holistic, rather than fragmented, way. Watershed groups have been busily finding solutions to local environmental problems for many years. Gary and Joan are enjoying their new partnerships with the 30 existing watershed groups in the region and will continue to help new groups become organized and focused. For further information on how you may become a partner in your watershed, contact Gary Byron or Joan Sattler via e-mail or phone at the above location, or visit DEP's web site.