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Mechanicsburg council bans dumping pet waste into storm sewers
Summary
The Borough Council approved Ordinance 1192 to prohibit discharge of animal and pet waste into the municipal storm sewer system, voting 4–0. The action responds to resident complaints about excessive pet waste and sets a local enforcement standard for stormwater protection.
Mechanicsburg Borough Council on March 3 approved Ordinance 1192, amending Chapter 26 (Stormwater Management) to prohibit the discharge of animal and pet waste into the municipal separate storm sewer system.
Councilwoman Agerton moved to approve the ordinance and Councilman Schad seconded; the motion passed by roll-call vote, 4–0. The ordinance language was presented as an amendment to existing stormwater code to clarify that pet and animal waste may not be deposited into storm drains that discharge to streams and other municipal conveyances.
The vote followed public comment about a boroughwide problem with pet feces. Resident Robby Brewbaker told council, “there is an issue with excessive pet feces throughout the Borough,” and asked whether a dog park might help reduce the problem. Joe Matello said he has observed excessive pet feces in Finkenbinder Park.
Manager Novinger and staff discussion during the meeting focused on how the code change will dovetail with borough enforcement and public outreach; the meeting record does not specify an enforcement schedule or fine amounts. Council did not adopt related implementing penalties or a timeline during the session; those details were not specified.
The ordinance is intended to reduce pollutants carried by stormwater into local streams and to align the borough’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) policies with local water-quality goals. The council did not announce an immediate effective date at the meeting.
