Officials act on new septic rules

DEP secretary pledges simplicity

By TOM KANE

HARRISBURG, PA — Four elected state officials have assured Pennsylvania townships that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will simplify its controversial requirements for new on-lot sewage systems.

In a letter to the Wayne County Commissioners on March 4, Senator Lisa Baker and representatives Michael Peifer, Sandra J. Major and Edward G. Staback related how they met with DEP Secretary John Hanger and worked out an agreement. They told Hanger that the DEP decision was having a detrimental effect on local communities.

Hanger admitted that communication surrounding this policy change has been inadequate. Hanger sent the state officials a draft document outlining the information that will be required to be included with on-lot sewage system applications.

The letter stated, “Individuals who have had applications returned with no action will be contacted immediately and receive guidance for resubmission.”

The letter further stated the DEP regional office staff would no longer withhold permit reviews or return applications without comment. “A series of meetings will be convened with local officials to explain the Environmental Hearing Board ruling that prompted this policy shift.

In February, the hearing board ruled on a case presented by individuals in Berks County who want to protect and maintain the high quality waters that existed in the nearby watershed. The DEP was directed to enforce higher standards than the ones in effect in regions where streams are classified as high quality waters, as in the Upper Delaware.

“The department has assured us that they will act quickly to address these matters, especially given the impending start of a new construction season,” the letter concluded.

“We haven’t heard anything yet from DEP and it’s a full week since the four officials’ letter,” said Damascus Township Supervisor Jeff Dexter.