Public Notice

04/28/2023 by Steve Sawyer

Public Notice

04/27/2023 by Steve Sawyer

LCSWMA - TARP POLICY

07/20/2022 by Steve Sawyer

The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) is requiring that all commercial and residential customers transporting waste to any of its facilities use a tarp to secure open loads or face a $20 penalty.  Second offenders will be turned away. 
 
“The health and safety of our community matters,” Robert Zorbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of LCSWMA, said.  “Waste coming loose from unsecured loads is dangerous to drivers and litters our roadways.  Our employees spend countless hours collecting litter from trailers, pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles that aren’t properly tarped.  The objective of the $20 penalty is to change behavior so customers abide by the existing policy,” he added.
 
According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, unsecured loads and debris in the road led to 200,000 crashes between 2011-2014.  During that time, debris related vehicle accidents caused 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.  Data released by the same organization found that as a nation, we spend $11.5 billion combating litter, 40% of which comes from unsecured loads. 
 
LCSWMA officials note that according to Pennsylvania’s State and Federal requirements, it’s also the law to tarp loads.
 
Loads must be covered with a securely fastened water-resistant cover that eliminates potential for littering and other nuisances.25 Pa. Code §§ 285.211(a) and 299.211(a) 


LCSWMA Tarp Policy and Penalty News Release - July 2022

Spotted Latternfly

05/01/2018 by

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper, has been discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It is native to China, India, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. This insect has the potential to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries. Early detection is vital for the protection of Pennsylvania businesses and agriculture.

QUARANTINE

Currently a quarantine is in place to stop the movement of this pest to new areas and to slow its spread within the quarantine. The quarantine affects a variety of plant, wood and stone products.  Surveys are currently underway to determine the complete spread of this pest in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Efforts are also underway to ensure the Spotted Lanternfly is not present in other parts of the commonwealth.

The following counties are currently under quarantine for Spotted Lanternfly:

Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery
Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill  

The quarantine may be expanded to new areas as further detections of the Spotted Lanternfly are detected and confirmed. Intentional movement of the Spotted Lanternfly is expressly prohibited and is a serious offense. Violations could result in criminal or civil penalties and/or fines.

The quarantine restricts the movement of certain articles. If you are seeking to enter into a compliance agreement to be able to move these materials you can request a permit by contacting Dana Rhodes.  Industries and regulated articles under the quarantine that are not to be removed/moved to a new area are:

• Any living stage of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.  This includes egg masses, nymphs, and adults.
• Brush, debris, bark, or yard waste
• Landscaping, remodeling or construction waste
• Logs, stumps, or any tree parts
• Firewood of any species
• Grapevines for decorative purposes or as nursery stock
• Nursery stock
• Crated materials
• Outdoor household articles including recreational vehicles, lawn tractors and mowers, mower decks, grills, grill and furniture covers, tarps, mobile homes, tile, stone, deck boards, mobile fire pits, any associated equipment and trucks or vehicles not stored indoors.

Spotted Lanternfly - Pest Alert

Spotted Lanternfly - Look Before You Leave

WERT Rail Trail

08/17/2015 by

Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail 

WERT Brochure and Map

New Floodplain Maps

03/19/2014 by Admin

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released a Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate 
Map (FIRM) for Ephrata Township. The FIRM illustrates the extent of flood hazards in Ephrata Township and is 
used to determine who must buy flood insurance and the floodplain development regulations that apply in 
the flood risk zones depicted.