Lower Towamensing Township continues to mull over the creation of an on-lot septic maintenance ordinance.

Supervisors on Tuesday discussed the concept in relation to Act 537, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.

Code enforcement officer Brent Green said he believes it’s mandated in the township’s Act 537 plan.

Township solicitor Jim Nanovic told the board that at some point, the township is going to have to do it.

Nanovic added it’s a recommended ordinance that the state Department of Environmental Protection says you have to do it.

Supervisor Michael Takerer said he’d like to see the maintenance requirement for five years.

Township planning commission member Angela Farrell said she believes there’s a tendency to say five years.

Farrell added she believes it would probably be easier if the whole township renewed at the same time.

Takerer noted that the issue is that while some people’s systems function properly, there are others whose do not.

He added that while he doesn’t really support a mandate at all, he would support a five -year, but not a three-year one.

Green then suggested that the township look to consult with its sewage enforcement officer, and recommended they review the ordinance.

Farrell suggested that a letter be sent out to property owners in the township telling them to keep their receipts.

Green agreed, and said something to get the people accustomed that at some point, it’s going to be mandated, and that people should keep their receipts.

Takerer suggested that the township reach out to its sewage enforcement officer for his thoughts.

The plan requires the adoption of an on-lot sewage management program ordinance for all properties within the township outside of the designated service area of the township’s sewage system.

The ordinance will require pumping and inspections of septic tanks and the presentation of receipts and statements to the township.

Residents will be notified upon the adoption of the ordinance, and be directed when pumping and inspections are required.