Maple Park cited for nine violations

DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — The state has cited Maple Park Garden Apartments for nine violations.

Chris Wood, Dingman's zoning and sewage code enforcement officer, told supervisors that the citations came from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Supervisors Chair Tom Mincer seemed surprised. “It was quite new,” he said.

Wood agreed. But he said the only violation that really concerned him was the nitrogen pollution emitting from the septic system. The nitrogen levels fluctuate, he said.

Mincer asked how bad the penalties would be if the requested improvements were not made in the 15 days mandated by the state.

“Could it mean shutting it down?” he asked.

“No — a fine of $500 or so,” said Wood.

Wood told board solicitor John Klemeyer that the landlord's last contact with the township was three months ago.

“It’s a new system," Mincer said. I didn’t think it would go quite so soon."

Wood said the problems may have been caused by the unusually cold winter.

By Anya Tikka