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East Penn residents concerned about sewer connections

Don Steigerwalt asked about inspections for the West Bowman's sewer connections during the public comment section of the East Penn Township's Sept. 7 supervisors' meeting.

Supervisors said the trap was checked, a test was done and the septic system had to be filled in - the Universal Construction Code requirements.Joseph Nothstein asked if township rules had to be followed.Supervisor Randy Pfeiffer said a connection ordinance had been passed but it was not turned in to Labor and Industry within the time specified. Consequently it was not in effect. He said the pipes had to be surrounded with one foot of stone.Solicitor Jim Nanovic said the township can pass an ordinance as long as it is more stringent than the UCC requirement.Steigerwalt asked if rules had been sent to everyone since contractors were doing it in different ways.Pfeiffer said many contractors are doing more than the UCC requires and others are meeting requirements in the cheapest manner possiblePfeiffer and Nanovic both said it was the first time East Penn had gone through setting up a sewer system and did not know what they could do beyond the UCC rules.Wood chips are not acceptable for filling in a septic tank, as it was said someone was doing.Richard Hardy said sewage is still running on the ground behind his house toward the former Troxell pig pen. It was always running but now can be seen because brush has been cut.Secretary Deanna Cunfer asked if it was the sewage enforcement officer or the sewage engineer's (Hanover's) responsibility.Hardy also said there was a problem with burning.Nanovic said if it is commercial burning the Department of Environmental Protection will check. When doubt was voiced about DEP responding quickly enough to see the burning, Nanovic said the local police should be called.Jai Mertz asked about the Troxell court case. It is still on appeal with Commonwealth Court, said Nanovic.Joe Ehritz said East Penn had a large number of winners at the Carbon County Fair. The township is one of the best supporters of the fair, he said.He asked if sweeping had been done on roads that were oil and chipped. They will be, but had not at the time of the meeting, said roadmaster Cory Smith.Pine Hill Lawns and Soils received the bid for hydroseeding the soccer field at Riverview. The cost for removing debris and power raking is $1,260 and for seeding, $2,415, for a total of $3,675.The $64,000 grant for recreation has to be used completely or returned completely.An H2O grant of $36,000 has been placed in the sewer account.Nesquehoning was accepted into the joint UCC appeals board.A full-time position for a police officer will be advertised.Liquor liability exposure insurance will cost $425. Liquor is occasionally served at the social hall.Phone quotes will be requested for a stainless steel cinder spreader to meet the specification of the roadmaster.