Fairchance seeks downspout ordinance
FAIRCHANCE — Borough council took the first step toward possibly enacting a downspout ordinance to curb excessive water flow into the borough’s storm sewers.
Council on Wednesday approved publishing advertising that would notify its residents of the intent to discuss an ordinance that would require new homes to configure their drain systems so as not to drop rainwater directly into the storm sewer system. Downspouts must be reconfigured to comply with the ordinance before this property can be sold.
Council will discuss whether to adopt the ordinance at its next meeting on Feb. 13.
“Downspouts are not allowed to go into the sewage system” said council President Howard McGhee.
“Nowhere are you allowed to dump all that water into your sewage because the plant has to treat that water — and that runoff could contaminate the water being treated at the plant. This ordinance will help keep sewage cleaner within the Fairchance-Georges Township Joint Sewage Authority.”
In other news, council is making plans to start repairs at Askon Dam. McGhee said the dam needs to be refurbished, cleaned and repaired so that the structure can continue to serve the borough.
And finally, council leadership remains intact for the most part with only one change. During reorganization, James McDonough replaces Robert Ellsworth as vice president of council. Aside from that, Howard McGhee stays on as president and Simon John as solicitor. Scott Bush remains as a consultant regarding engineering.