Harford reviews sludge hauling

BY PAT FARNELLI

Harford Township must use increased caution when hiring haulers for sewer sludge, it was announced at the May meeting Tuesday (May 8).

Previously, Hallstead Sanitary had been contracted to dispose of municipal sludge, until the company was cited for illegally spreading the waste on farm fields instead of hauling it to an approved facility.

“Any company we chose to do business with will need certification and proof that it is being disposed of legally,” said Supervisor Garry Foltz.

The most recent load of sludge was disposed of properly, supervisors said.

The township was given an estimate of $146,312 to complete all of the recommended improvements to its sewer plant. Foltz suggested going ahead with everything but the ultraviolet treatment option.

“My opinion is to do the whole thing and be done with it,” said Supervisor Doug Phelps. “You can’t beat the bank rates now.”

Supervisor Sue Furney agreed.

The sewer rate for those residents who subscribe to the service is $114 per EDU, quarterly.

Roadmaster Eric Allen offered, “To put this into perspective, if DEP comes in and fines us for that sewer plant, it’s $10,000 a day.”

Foltz said that the sewer account has been running a negative balance. He asked if there are past due customers, and if they have liens against them for the sewer bill.

Furney said that there were three liens that were about five years old.

Foltz recommended reviewing the past due accounts, putting liens on those that are seriously outstanding, and proceeding with sheriff sales for the most delinquent.

The supervisors reviewed their options for financing the sewer upgrade. The township could borrow $100,000 or $150,000, and either could be paid off over 10, 15 or 20 years.

After some discussion, the supervisors approved a loan for $150,000 to be paid over a 15 year period, at a fixed rate of three percent for the first three years, then at 68 percent of the national prime rate for the next six years, with a cap of 4.75 percent.

The annual cleanup will be held the first week of June, at a fee of $50 per household.

TVs and computers are accepted, but tires will cost extra.

Attorney Jamie Hailstone was acknowledged as an additional township solicitor. He is employed by Kreider, Brooks & Hailstone, the same firm as Drew Hailstone, the present township solicitor, and may now do work for the township.

The Linde pipeline company requested permission to use 102 inch trailers on township roads. Foltz said that since all roads fall under state jurisdiction, “we are not legal to let companies use 102 inch trailers.”

A subdivision for Roland and Nancy Decker was approved, which splits a property into lots and leaves a small portion on the other side of Tingley Lake Road.

A one year noise ordinance waiver from Cabot Oil & Gas for the Dale Empet property was approved.

Dorothy Hagenbugh addressed Allen and said, “I want to compliment you on the wonderful job you did on Nine Partners Road.”

In the road report, Allen said that Blanding Lake Road was finished with a good crown, and that Lower Podunk and Wescott were next.

He said that Pennay Hill Road will be reworked some more.

Lots of gas industry trucks are now travelling the road to drilling pads. Foltz said that if a road is actively in use by a gas company, let the gas company be responsible for dust control.

Allen has been spraying liquid calcium in front of houses for dust control before working on the roads.

One gas company responded to the township’s request that they fix two pipes that have been crushed by heavy industry truck traffic on a township road, saying that they are not going to replace the pipes because they are not 100 percent responsible for the damage.

Road cross permits were issued for Russell, Deer Trail, Orphan School Pennay Hill, and Wilkins roads.

Beavers are responsilble for flood damage to Bartholomew Road, Allen said. “If I get a few truckloads of wood out of there, they will bring a couple truckloads of wood right back in.”

Phelps said that there are photos of the pipes shortly after their installation, and that photos should be taken now and later on in activity.

Allen ordered $800 in parts for two sickle bar mowers, which are now ready for use.

Foltz said that grant applications are being processed for repairs to a bridge on the south end of Lower Podunk Road.

The Harford Township Supervisors meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.