Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met Nov. 10 and approved the minutes from its Oct. 13 meeting. In new business, the council reviewed revised plans for the River Ridge Residential Development, a 94-acre project on the western side of Staunton Drive with 67 residential units and 80 acres of dedicated open space. A township representative said the revised plan is smaller than the previous design and noted the township must closely watch the grading plan due to significant sloping. The developer is requesting a waiver on the length of road required before a turn-around or cul-de-sac; council members did not object but emphasized the need to focus on grading and dumping plans to avoid affecting adjacent properties. The council also discussed requiring the contractor to maintain trees to stabilize slopes and fixing a stormwater retention pond with vegetation growing out of it.

Under old business, a township representative updated the council on tree removal at the new dog park. A mix-up resulted in 10 trees that were supposed to be kept being taken down; the Board of Supervisors is unhappy and is working with the contractor on a plan to address the need for shaded areas. A council member offered to dial back the wording in the council’s letter and focus on desired types and numbers of trees. A council member reported the council’s Facebook page now has 516 followers, up 36 from last month. Two council members will provide Montour Run cleanup photos and an article on lanternflies for future posts. The Montour Run Watershed Association held a stream cleanup Oct. 23 with Trout Unlimited; a council member reported it went well and she has begun networking with Trout Unlimited members for potential future projects. Two council members attended the 3 Rivers Wet Weather Conference and discussed partnering with ALCOSAN and creating stormwater statistics graphics for the Moon Messenger. A council member spoke with Allegheny Cleanways about starting a program in Moon and expanding the “grate keeper” idea for Earth Day. A council member shared a hazardous waste disposal pamphlet from his watershed stewardship class. The council discussed improving access to public hearing announcements on the township website and creating a published list of EAC accomplishments. Members also considered focusing on updating regulations such as grading, stormwater management and landscaping rather than reviewing individual development plans. The next meeting is Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.