The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has set Nov. 21 as the date for each municipality to get a workable storm water ordinance approved by the DEP.
East Earl Supervisor Joe Shriver said even a 10-by-10 foot shed may need a plan to manage storm water. The minimum footage of the buildings hasn’t been decided yet.
Zoning Officer Shaun Seymour said if contested in court, plans may need to be developed by a certified engineer. He feels they are not exempting anything. The concern has been raised because of the amount of water runoff that ends in the Chesapeake Bay.
The township’s zoning code is also being amended, said Zimmerman. Every dwelling needs an address. Residents of Dosch’s Lane and Matters Road are currently being assigned street addresses, said Township Secretary/Treasurer Connie Gross. The updated ordinance has to be reviewed by the supervisors and Lancaster County.
In April, East Earl Township participated in a new program to collect outdated and unused prescription drugs, said Police Chief Kevin McCarthy.
About 375 pounds of drugs were collected at six sites in Lancaster County. About 377 pounds were collected in Berks County and 1500 pounds of drugs were collected in Chester County. A total of more than 38,000 pounds of unused drugs were collected state-wide.
Next year, efforts will be made to provide more information on the program, he said. Collecting the drugs and disposing of them properly prevents the residue from polluting the ground water.
In other police business, Paul Cook from Ephrata has been hired as a part-time police officer. Cook is a United States Army veteran.
During May, the East Earl Police department received 117 calls for service. There were 12 traffic accidents investigated and 12 criminal investigations. In Terre Hill Borough there two traffic accidents investigated and six criminal investigations. Eleven individuals were attested for Crimes Codes violations.
McCarthy noted there have been more arrests for heroin trafficking in Pennsylvania lately.
Safety Coordinator Bill Shirk said Lancaster County has prepared a resolution to approve the Conestoga Ridge Scenic Byway. The byway extends from Route 322 to Morgantown along Weaverland Road, Weaverland Valley Road and Route 23. The county description of the byway has to comply with the guidelines set by the state.
A committee will be appointed to find more sources to supply public water, said Chairman Dave Zimmerman. More sources of water are needed. The committee will meet monthly starting in June.
The Shoe Fly 5K race will take place on July 20 as part of the Terre Hill Days program. It is being sponsored by the Garden Spot Cross Country Club.
