The newly proposed septic regulations by DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) is among the most important community issues on the minds of municipal leaders, and Buckingham Township is no different.
The new regulations, which calls for steps to insure septic tank discharges do not impact watersheds deemed to have “exceptional” quality waters, brings with it tougher permitting requirements on new on-lot septic systems, including having existing septic tanks pumped every three years. Most of Wayne County is in such a watershed.
Building permits have come to a virtual stand-still in the County with the regulations up in the air and permits not being issued by DEP.
A special emergency meeting called by the Wayne County Association of Township Officials in February, pertained to the newly proposed septic regulations and its adverse effects on the local economy.
In support of the Association and community leaders’ negative reactions to the new regulations, State Representatives Sandra J. Major (R-111th) and Michael Peifer (R - 139th) drafted a letter to The State Deputy Secretary for Water Management, John Hines.
Township Secretary Laurie Travis read a copy of the letter sent to the Board during Tuesday evening’s Supervisors meeting.
The letter requests a meeting with Hines to discuss the Department’s reevaluating the manner in which the review of planning modules for new on-lot sewage facilities in special protection watersheds is being conducted.
“This situation has created confusion and uncertainly among local officials and developers, especially since there has been no public review or comment process,” wrote Major and Peifer.
Matters Major and Peifer would like to discuss with Hines at the meeting include: to gain an understanding of the current status of this policy; gain an understanding of the efforts that are being made to inform all parties regarding these new requirements; to explore options to keep the current review and approval process moving forward and to prevent municipalities from incurring unnecessary costs.
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