New Ordinances Aim at Keeping Stormwater Drains Garbage-Free

Two ordinances passed last week by the aim to keep garbage out of storm drains in an effort to protect public health and the environment.

"These are requirements that the state is mandating with regard to the stormwater management plans," said council president Craig Wallis. "This will bring us in line with the state [regulations]."

Under township ordinance 11-013, existing storm drains on private property must be retrofitted with a cap to protect against debris, such as "plastic bottles, cans, food wrappers" from entering.

"This is an eco-cover that goes on the back of the catch basin of the storm drain in the road, so bottles and cans don't go down," said council member Brendan Weiner. 

Existing drains are required to be retrofitted when they are "in direct contact with repaving, repairing, reconstruction, or resurfacing or alterations of facilities on private property."

This means that fixes are not required immediately, Wallis said.

"We're not going to run out there tomorrow and change every one out there, but as new roads are built, they will have to meet the standard," he said.

According to the ordinance, those in control of private property — except for a "residential lot with one single family house" — must provide for the retrofitting of drains in contact with the repair area unless they already meet the drain standard.

Standards are outlined in the ordinance. The ordinance states that each day an individual does not comply with rules "shall constitute a separate violation." 

Enforcement will be handled by the Manchester Police Department and the code enforcer. Penalties for violators will not exceed $250 for each drain that is not properly retrofitted, the ordinance states.

A second ordinance passed by the council requires that outdoor dumpsters and garbage containers remain covered at all times.

Ordinance 11-012 states that "liquids, semi-liquids or solids from the containers" are prohibited from being emptied into storm drains, be it by purposeful dumping or leakage.

The person who is in control of the dumpster or garbage container, "whether owned, leased, or operated," the ordinance states, is responsible for ensuring that trash storage is properly covered.

According to the ordinance, the Manchester Police Department will provide enforcement, and those in violation may be fined up to $500.