As is being heard at other township meetings, Cherry Ridge Supervisors are concerned with impending septic system requirements and the possible effect on property owners wanting to build.
Township Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) Gary Enslin said he is having difficulty getting answers from the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The state agency is requiring the municipality to impose a stricter requirement, either including the entire municipality or passing an ordinance affecting only new subdivisions, Enslin said.
Mark Carmon, DEP spokesman, said that this is to be on a case by case basis based on individual municipal needs or conditions. The change was brought about by an Pa. Environmental Control Board ruling.
This required DEP to modify its review process of on-lot sewage systems in high quality watersheds, which includes most of Wayne County, to ensure high quality waters are not degraded. DEP is currently working on modifying its anti-degradation guidance document.
Chairman John Rickard (Jr.) said that he would prefer to not let it impact existing septic systems. Township Solicitor Scott Bennett stated that there is a concerted effort underway by various groups, to oppose the regulation. Meetings are planned with state legislators. He said that the Wayne County Builders Association and banks are involved. The Wayne County Bar Association plans to discuss it.
“DEP is using a heavy hand,” said Bennett. “It is a fiat from on high.” He said it requires costs by the townships, which would have to be passed on to the residents.
There were no pending projects in Cherry Ridge Township that would be affected, Bennett said. Private property owners who have made an application for a subdivision and are planning to build in the spring, are affected. They could be stuck with a mortgage and not be able to build, he cautioned. Rickard commented that with the state of the economy, this is a bad time to stiffen regulations.
The solicitor advised further research.
|
|
|
As is being heard at other township meetings, Cherry Ridge Supervisors are concerned with impending septic system requirements and the possible effect on property owners wanting to build.
Township Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) Gary Enslin said he is having difficulty getting answers from the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The state agency is requiring the municipality to impose a stricter requirement, either including the entire municipality or passing an ordinance affecting only new subdivisions, Enslin said.
Mark Carmon, DEP spokesman, said that this is to be on a case by case basis based on individual municipal needs or conditions. The change was brought about by an Pa. Environmental Control Board ruling.
This required DEP to modify its review process of on-lot sewage systems in high quality watersheds, which includes most of Wayne County, to ensure high quality waters are not degraded. DEP is currently working on modifying its anti-degradation guidance document.
Chairman John Rickard (Jr.) said that he would prefer to not let it impact existing septic systems. Township Solicitor Scott Bennett stated that there is a concerted effort underway by various groups, to oppose the regulation. Meetings are planned with state legislators. He said that the Wayne County Builders Association and banks are involved. The Wayne County Bar Association plans to discuss it.
“DEP is using a heavy hand,” said Bennett. “It is a fiat from on high.” He said it requires costs by the townships, which would have to be passed on to the residents.
There were no pending projects in Cherry Ridge Township that would be affected, Bennett said. Private property owners who have made an application for a subdivision and are planning to build in the spring, are affected. They could be stuck with a mortgage and not be able to build, he cautioned. Rickard commented that with the state of the economy, this is a bad time to stiffen regulations.
The solicitor advised further research.
