Are potential toxins being shipped through Rush Township, or even worse, sitting overnight on local parking lots?

Those questions were examined at length Thursday at the regular meeting of the Rush Township board of supervisors held at municipal headquarters on Mahanoy Avenue."Tractor-trailers are parking in the Walmart lot with hazardous materials," said resident Joe Shamonsky.Shamonsky fears for the safety of not only residents, but first responders, too."They're parking loaded. I wouldn't want to be on the fire company because there will be bodies all over the place."Shamonsky said he took action about the issue."I talked to corporate for the local region. The manager called me back and said it's up to law enforcement."Supervisor Bob Leibensperger said the property is private."Zamias (Services) doesn't have problems with tractor-trailers parking there," he said.Resident Cathy Schimpf echoed that sentiment, at least in terms of certain vehicles."Walmart encourages parking such as RVs," Schimpf said.Sgt. Duane Frederick advised Shamonsky to report infractions."If you see something wrong, call 911 next time," said Frederick.But tractor-trailers with unknown cargo weren't the only problem.Wes Konsavage, chief of Quakake Fire Company, advised the supervisors that upcoming rail traffic will be a concern, especially regarding maintenance of rail crossings.Fifty to 100 cars are going to Humboldt (Industrial Park). They're going to run 40 mph hauling hazardous materials," Konsavage said.Shawn Gilbert, board chairman, said the railroad will need to step up to the plate."They have to keep the crossing safe," said Gilbert.On top of that, Leibensperger pointed out that the township has limited impact on the rail line."We have zero jurisdiction over them," he noted.In other matters, businessman Dave Clewell voiced displeasure over businesses operating under the radar."For over 14 years I've been asking the board to do something about illegal businesses in this township," Clewell said, noting there are 16 such operations. He feels they're not pulling their weight in terms of taxes, permits and even insurance coverages. He pointed to one such operation, a car repair business located just off Route 309 near the top of the Hometown Hill."What is your plan of action," Clewell asked.The supervisors said they look into such violations."Bill McMullen (code enforcement) has been there quite a bit. Don't think we're sitting here doing nothing," Gilbert said.Clewell also pointed out that illegal dumping is taking place in various areas of the township."They're using the trash cans by Walmart. I found brake rotors in a garbage can," Clewell said.That discussion prompted Leibensperger to issue a warning about a different matter related to waste."Individuals are stealing garbage to collect personal information," said Leibensperger.In addressing issues of compliance to current regulations, resident Charles Shamonsky complained that some vendors at the Hometown Farmers Market "aren't getting permits. The township is losing out on a hell of a lot of money," he charged.Clewell appeared to agree with the charge, estimating the loss at about $7,500 a month. Clewell opined that the supervisors "sold out the taxpayers 20 years ago" with agreements reached at that time.Gilbert said all of those vendors are covered by a permit issued to the market itself, and "we're under negotiations."