Dingman has stream upgrade guideline issues

Mincer questions Dwarfskill and Shohola protection setbacks DINGMAN — Township Supervisors again last week addressed the redesignation of Dwarfskill and Shohola creeks. Code Enforcement and Sewage Officer Chris Wood provided maps to the supervisors showing the specific areas of the Dwarfskill and Shohola creeks being considered for a change from state’s high quality (HQ) to exceptional value (EV). A change of this type has impact on the areas which border these streams. “This change will affect anything that flows into either one of these streams,” said Wood. Township Supervisors Chairman Tom Mincer said that the sections shown on the map cover a significant area. Wood said he had an attorney friend that sends him alerts regarding environmental news of any consequence. Wood said he was told that the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) is going to require a setback of 150 feet from an EV stream and will require there be a natural wooded buffer zone for any project that requires a storm water permit. “Under our new ordinance we haven’t set the distance yet,” said Mincer. “I’d like put in an objection regarding this change.” Separately, Susan Beecher, executive director of the Pike County Conservation District, wrote to waive district fees for erosion and storm water control regarding the post-construction of the new Dingman Township Park. “This will save the township over $10,000. I want to send a letter of thanks to her and to also thank the Pike County Commissioners at the same time. The $10,000 we save will go directly into services we can provide to township residents,” said Mincer. Township Secretary Karen Kleist noted that the current issue of the Pike County Conservation District newsletter spotlighted the road construction in the park and how the crew and staffers worked well with them. In other business Township Roadmaster Jim Snyder reported he had been in contact with Met Ed to move an electric pole away from a township road boundary by about five or six feet, which they agreed to do. Verizon was also contacted to raise a low hanging cable to avoid any problems over the winter. Verizon was to take responsibility for the low cable . “We had to replace two STOP signs that were spray painted and we patched two large potholes with new asphalt.” Snyder also said there were several catch basin drains that needed to be cleaned off and his crew also set up the township building for the recent election. Wood reported that all township forms and permit applications are now online at www.dingmantownship.org. They are in a PDF format which can be downloaded, filled out and then returned to the township along with any required fees for plans. “It costs us at least $1.50 every time someone calls up and asks us to send them a form. Our Web site gets at least 150 hits on Sundays, which is a sign people are looking at it and getting needed information.” Wood also attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting in late October and reported that the committee was working on a ten year plan. The plan required the committee to evaluate the recycling program currently in place. In 2008 the Pike County recycled 3,339 tons of material. Wood said the recycling provided savings in landfill space and fuel use, which would amount to much more if everyone were to focus on recycling. For more information you can contact Christine Obser Executive Director of the Pike County Human Development Office at 296-3434.