Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met on October 24 and approved the minutes from its September 12, 2018 meeting. The council spent much of the meeting on a presentation from the manager of the Moon Township Water Authority, about major changes coming to the township’s recycling program in 2019. The manager explained that single-stream recycling has led to roughly 25% contamination, and because China and other countries now accept only 0.5% contamination, the authority will stop collecting glass, plastic bags, and plastics #3 through #7. Haulers will be instructed not to pick up contaminated bins, and the township could face fines for violations. The At Your Door service will not change. A pamphlet detailing the new rules will be mailed to all residents and included in the next Moon Messenger magazine. A reverse 9-1-1 call will go out, and the manager is open to using social media and local TV to spread the word. The council discussed creating informational magnets or bin stickers. Land development plans for a Vehicle Service Center at Broadhead Road and Grant Drive and a Zips Car Wash at Beaver Grade and Carnot Roads were tabled. The council approved a proposed amendment to the township code establishing a Heritage Tree Program and oversight committee, with the EAC serving as that committee. An employee reviewed the four standards needed for Tree City USA designation: a tree board, a tree ordinance, a community forestry program with budget, and an Arbor Day observance. On the comprehensive plan update, the council is focusing on the township sidewalk and pedestrian plan and the 2005 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, with an emphasis on connecting existing green spaces. The apiary update was tabled. Members reviewed a visual aid presentation for MCA-TV’s Government in Review program and were asked to suggest changes. The council discussed Pennsylvania Senate Bill Act 62, which would impose penalties for littering and add community service for picking up litter; members were asked to identify corridors for enforcement. Members reported attending a Tree Tender class, a Montour Run Watershed Association meeting, an MS4 class, the Three Rivers Wet Weather Conference, and an AWA tree planting where over 200 trees were planted near the Montour Trail. Two members announced they will not serve on the council next year. The next meeting is set for November 14, 2018.