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Harborcreek adopts amendment to ban burning of recyclables, leaves and brush after DEP warning
Summary
After a public hearing and comments from a resident, supervisors adopted amendment 2024-241-1 to prohibit burning recyclable materials and to align local rules on leaves and brush with Pennsylvania DEP guidance; supervisors flagged enforcement challenges and described the change as necessary to preserve state funding.
Harborcreek Township supervisors adopted an amendment to ordinance 2024-241 that explicitly prohibits the burning of recyclable materials and, in line with state rules, prohibits burning leaves and brush.
Township staff told the board the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had told the township its current local definitions on burning do not match state law and warned the township it might withhold future funds or pursue reimbursement for projects and equipment that DEP previously helped fund unless the ordinance is aligned with state requirements. The board framed the change as compliance with DEP direction and said it offers limited enforcement tools; supervisors described the requirement as an unfunded mandate.
The item was taken up as a public hearing on amendment 2024-241-1. Vicki Roberts of Larry Road testified in favor of placing the prohibition in code, saying that even if enforcement is difficult, codifying the standard encourages voluntary compliance.
Supervisors discussed distinctions between recreational fires (for leisure) and larger brush or leaf burning that could affect air quality; they said they intend to follow state law while trying to be reasonable in local enforcement.
A supervisor moved to adopt the amendment; the board voted to adopt it. The amendment was adopted on the record at the meeting. The township noted it will balance enforcement practicality against state compliance to avoid jeopardizing state funds.
