May 8, 2007 By Steve Ferris 2 min read

FARMINGTON – Wharton Township supervisors on Monday discussed a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to use sewage holding tanks for up to three years. Supervisors indicated that they wanted an ordinance that would allow the use of holding tanks because a resident is considering building a home on Sumey Road, but electrical service is not available there.

Solicitor Denise Simon said she sent a draft copy of the ordinance to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a review and was informed that the DEP issues permits for holding tanks for only three years and the permit cannot be renewed or extended beyond that initial period.

In addition, a property owner who obtains a holding tank permit is required to post a bond in the amount of the cost of a permanent sewage system, Simon said.

Supervisor Jack Lewis said it seems like the township would have to follow DEP regulations.

“This buys them three years,” Lewis said.

The supervisors said they would review the proposed ordinance and consider it at the next meeting on May 21.

In other business, Supervisor Joe Henning said he received only two price quotes, but at least three are needed to build a storage building at the township park.

Grant money for the project is due to expire soon, Henning said, but many of the contractors he talked to were too busy to take on the job.

He said he would hold the two unopened quotes, try again to obtain a third quote and call a special meeting to award a construction contract.

In unrelated business, Lewis gave a report on the 85th annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors state convention that was held April 22-25 in Hershey. All three supervisors attended.

Lewis said they talked with legislators, attended workshops and voted on 75 resolutions concerning legal matters involving townships.

He said there was a Fayette County tourism booth that featured many attractions in the township.