January 2017
Happy New Year!

 

Engineering Department 

 

Sumpthings' Happening to Our Sewer!

Did you know discharging a sump pump into Pequannock's sanitary sewer system is
a big 'no-no'? While it might seem like an easier option than running a discharge tube from the sump pump to the exterior, it is illegal and can cause serious problems! Sump pumps are designed to pump large volumes of groundwater and rainwater. Sanitary sewer pipes are designed to carry lower volumes of sewage, not groundwater.
Pequannock Township analyzed peak sanitary usage at times where the volume of sewage reaches critical limits. Without getting overly technical, the peak flows are directly related to larger rain events and not to seasonally high groundwater. The pattern of increased flow is consistent with established patterns associated with illegal sump pump connections
The possibility of the system becoming overloaded creates major health concerns. When this happens, the sewage will surcharge, that is start filling up the sewer lateral pipes that run to the sewer main from houses. When even more sewage or extra water is sent to the sewer pipe, it will surcharge even farther, eventually pushing back into someone's basement. The sewage might come out of a neighbor's basement toilet or washing machine drain for example.
Pequannock Township is so serious about preventing this problem that new ordinances have been adopted to identify and eliminate sump connections. In part, the ordinance states "No person shall connect any sump pump, floor drain, roof drain, and/or related apparatus to any sanitary sewer line. No property owner shall allow any sump pump, floor drain, roof drain, and/or related apparatus which has been connected to remain connected to the system."
The ordinance requires a $150/quarter surcharge for all properties where compliance has not been verified by the Construction Department. To facilitate verification, the ordinance provides a 60- day amnesty period for owners to voluntarily report connections so that said connection can be remedied. During this period, all Township permit and inspection fees shall be waived. Further information can be found in ยง152.07 of the Code of the Township of Pequannock, or by contacting the Construction office.  
  

 
WINTER STORM SAFETY CHECKLIST
 
Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
 
Winter Storm Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
Winter Storm Watch: Winder storm conditions as possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
Winter Storm Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
 
What supplies do I need?
 
Water - at least three days supply; one gallon per person per day
Food - at least three days supply of nonperishable, easy to prepare food
Flashlight, Battery Operated radio, Extra batteries, First aid kit, Medications, Cell phones with charger
Extra cash
 
What should I do?
 
Minimize travel, Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year, Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing, All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear
 
Caution: 
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area. 
 
Emergencies:
Frostbite and hypothermia are two dangerous and potentially life-threatening emergencies. Learn how to care for those emergencies by taking a first aid class.
 
 
 

 
 
Please note the following Recycling Schedule for 2017:
 
No Pick Up January 2 (New Year's Day)
 
January 9, 16, 23, 30
 
February 6, 13, 20, 27
 
March 6, 13, 20, 27
 
April 3, 10, 17, 24
 
  May 1, 8, 15, 22 
 
  *No Pick Up May 29 (Memorial Day)*
 
June 5, 12, 19, 26
 
July 3, 10, 17, 24. 31
 
August 7, 14, 21, 28
 
*No Pick Up September 4 (Labor Day)*
 
September 11, 18, 25
 
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 27
 
December 4, 11, 18 
 
                   *No Pick Up December 25 (Christmas Holiday)*
 
  *December 30 (Saturday)  Holiday Make-up Collection*
 
For recycling information visit www.MCMUA.com or call 973-659-3490.


 
Christmas
Tree
Pick Up
   

This is a reminder that Christmas trees will be picked up
curbside on Monday, January 9, 2017 and Monday,
January 16, 2017.

 
To register submit the Polar Plunge Registration Form to Parks & Recreation with a check made payable to "Pequannock Polar Plunge.  Any questions, contact Parks & Recreation at 973-835-5700, Ext. 145 or visit the Polar Plunge Facebook page or www.peqtwp.org for more information.

Township of Pequannock

973-835-5700

peqtwp.org