When: Little Britain Township supervisors meeting, April 9.
What happened: Christine Jackson, zoning officer, told the board the township is listed as a participant in the county’s regional comprehensive plan Places2040 even though the supervisors voted not to participate in the plan.
Background: When the county was developing the regional comprehensive plan, Little Britain supervisors instead decided to create their own plan. The supervisors and planning commission are now in the process of completing that plan.
Why it’s important: Jackson said she discovered Little Britain is listed as one of the participating municipalities on the second page of the document when it was brought up while she was giving a deposition in a zoning appeal case. The opposing attorney attempted to cite sections of Places2040 to support their case.
What’s next: The board voted to direct Jackson to contact the township solicitor to get the township’s name removed from the plan.
Quotable: “It was a little unnerving to find we are included in this. It’s only a year old, and lawyers are trying to use it against us,” Jackson said. “We signed documents that we were not joining this plan.”
Produce water: The meeting included a discussion with township farmers looking for guidance on the handling of produce wash water. According to Jackson, the state Department of Environmental Protection requires this water be directed into a holding tank. Jackson said she thinks the reasoning behind this is that DEP considers produce water to be wastewater, which means it cannot run onto the ground.
Why it matters: If farmers put the water into a holding tank, they would need to have the tank periodically emptied like a septic tank. Organic farmers said they didn’t think they should have to treat the water as wastewater, since they do not use chemicals to wash the produce or clean the equipment.
What’s next: Jackson said she has been in touch with DEP to get a technical review to determine if there is an alternative method of disposing of the water.
Spring cleanup: The township’s spring cleanup for residents only will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday May 18 at the township building, 323 Green Lane, Quarryville. There is a $5 fee for up to a truckload of items; $3 for tires without rims up to a 15-inch diameter; and $15 for large appliances requiring Freon removal. The township will not accept electronics, hazardous materials, paint cans, ash, coal and plastic ground covering.
