Municipal News
- Last Updated on Monday, 01 April 2013 00:50
By Christina Walko
At the Wednesday, March 6 Commissioners meeting in Rostraver, Commissioner Patrick Egros reported that the Tervita owned landfill was in two violations of the Department of Environmental Protection.
At the Wednesday, March 6 Commissioners meeting in Rostraver, Commissioner Patrick Egros reported that the Tervita owned landfill was in two violations of the Department of Environmental Protection.
“As of February 19, Tervita received inspections violations for the odor which is traveling outside of the landfills bounds.” No health hazard violations were reported at this time although air quality testing has been done and results are pending.
The commissioners then presented the Belle Vernon Area High School Girls Basketball Team with a Sports Award. Coach Lisa Fairman and Captains Jessica Slagus, Natalie Bashada and Jillian Niro accepted the reward on behalf of the team. The team came in second in the WPIAL playoffs with over 1000 points and 800 rebounds, the third in school history. The Lady Leps had 16 wins and 7 loses this season.
Commissioner Beck announced the Townships application for a $20,000 KAP – Keep America Beautiful –grant which will be used for a new playground, at the sports’ complex and for other township beautification projects. The township also ratified authorization to apply for a $5000 KAP grant to repair the exterior of the municipal building.
Several Rostraver residents stated concerns over the changes being made in Sanitary Sewerage rates. Ordinance number 638 introduced by Donald Bottman would effectively increase sewerage rates for businesses in Rostraver. The ordinance was read through by Solicitor Gaudio; however it was not unanimously passed.
“We are unhappy that we are in this predicament,” stated Commissioner Temoshenko. The entire proposal contained some increase in rates for residents also. A resident voiced concerns that if the businesses sewerage rates increased the costs would be passed on to the residents in the long run. “No other concrete proposals were heard and I do not think it responsible to say no to this proposal without submitting another”, stated Temoshenko, adding that it was the best proposal that the Township had.
Several resolutions were passed to declare Chevron in default of its bonds and claims made of $3750 and $5000 by Liberty Mutual Insurance for the township.
After normal agenda issues, attention then changed to the ongoing citizens issues concerning the Tervita landfill. Cheryl Myers was heard who expounded upon the possible hazards of a deodorizing system for the landfill. She also brought up questions about what exactly was being dumped into it. Resident Jack Kruell was also heard, bringing up similar concerns.
Resident and Doctor George Felder of 250 Lenity School Road then addressed the board, asking them what the board’s ability was to rectify the situation. These types of concerns have been brought up by citizens since 2011 with little resolution.
Commissioner Andy Temoshenko suggested a different type of meeting – having residents meet at possibly one of their homes and to get a congressman, senator or representative who could make the DEP accountable there, as he stated the board does not have much it can do. It has however addressed Congressman Murphy with these issues.
“We are awaiting results from the air quality report and will do our best to retrieve all information,” stated Commissioner Patrick Eros.
Residents also wanted to know what the possibilities were of bringing in an independent lab for testing and were told that that is being kept in mind but will depend on the availability of funds.
Rostraver residents were reminded that mandatory recycling of electronics for businesses will soon be enforced. E-waste can be dropped off at Goodwill in Belle Vernon or Westomoreland Clean Ways may be contacted at 724-836-4129.
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