Jun 18, 2002 4 min read

WHARTON TWP. – After years of consideration on the issue of sewage holding tanks, supervisors have started the process of reviewing possibilities for a future ordinance. At Monday night’s meeting, businessman Fred Schofield asked for a one-time exception for using a holding tank for a temporary facility along Route 40. He said his intention was to open a double decker bus and ice cream stand in the old Rax location. However, the sewage system for the structure was disconnected.

Because the township has no ordinance regulating holding tanks and has been urged by state environmental agencies to move cautiously on adopting the same, supervisors received input from Dave Mills of Earth Tech for this case. In a letter to the township, Mills said that the only “loop hole” that would allow the placement of a tank is one that wouldn’t apply in this case because it was limited to 30 days of use and in a recreational vehicle.

Township solicitor Denise Simon noted that in order for Schofield to use a holding tank in this case, an ordinance has to be in place, and that she couldn’t offer a timeline on when one could be enacted. Supervisors noted that if Schofield could get the property owner to allow the existing sewage system to be reconnected, that the only permit needed would be from the township sewage enforcement officer.

Towards adopting an ordinance, supervisors reviewed a number of different aspects that would have to be covered with Simon. Whether to permit the use for holding tanks in residential settings or to allow them only for recreations, commercial and industrial settings. Limits on flow rates and alarm systems paired with plans on monitoring maintenance and spills were a few items raised. Supervisors noted that they would go over the material presented and make a decision in the coming months.

In other business, supervisors voted to go with Noah’s Ark of Fayette County on a temporary basis.

“We don’t know who is going to be in the animal control business when everything is said and done,” said supervisor Joe Henning. Supervisor Jack Lewis agreed, “I don’t want to get locked into any long term contract until we find out what is the best for us and with the SPCA still in litigation that leaves it open.”

Since the Fayette County SPCA closed on May 11, the township has been without animal control services. Supervisors noted that the SPCA had sent a letter announcing they were resuming business, but took into consideration that it is conditional on the outcome of the appeal process.

In response to residents’ questions, supervisors noted that once the contract is in effect Noah’s Ark will respond to calls. In the interim, animals will be accepted at the New Salem Road shelter. Supervisor Jim Means noted there was no reference to a charge, similar to the SPCA’s policy, for dropping off animals in the letters from Noah’s Ark.

“They said that once the contract was in place that they would come if called and I believe them,” Means said.

In other action, the supervisors:

Announced that there are eight weeks remaining of the YMCA day camp at the township park. Monday was the opening day and 36 campers were registered with 33 in attendance. Camp features weekly trips to Benner’s Campgrounds for swimming and field trips in the mountain area to places like Fort Necessity. Registration for the remaining weeks can be done at the township building or the Uniontown YMCA.

Announced the Fayette County hard to recycle day will be held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds on June 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Agreed to consider a stop sign for the intersection of Braddock and Fike Hollow Roads.