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Township joins coalition to press state action on food‑processing residuals and biosolids
Summary
Residents described persistent offensive odors, heavy truck traffic and groundwater concerns from food‑processing residuals (FPRs). The Board noted Dickinson is part of a multi‑township coalition seeking regulatory attention and legislative fixes; Solicitor Matt Boyer said Penn Township had joined the coalition and legal work is underway.
Residents described recurring, strong odors and heavy overnight truck traffic associated with food‑processing residuals and biosolids application to local fields, and urged the Board to press for testing and regulation.
Ray Jones, a former supervisor, said fields have puddles of material and that tankers sometimes exceed road weight limits. Resident Nate Merkel asked whether groundwater testing had been discussed; Supervisor Jen DeGaetano said water‑quality testing and environmental study are being pursued and that a working group in Harrisburg is examining updated regulation. Solicitor Matt Boyer reported that Penn Township joined the coalition and said attorney Brian Salzmann is leading legal work for the group.
Chairman Rob Kole said Dickinson and neighboring towns are “banning together” to address health and water‑quality concerns and that the coalition aims to press state agencies and legislators for updated standards. DeGaetano said the Board supports farmers but wants responsible application practices and clearer regulations.
No regulatory or enforcement action was adopted at the meeting. The Board emphasized continued coordination with other townships, state legislators, and agencies to pursue testing, legislative change, and updated enforcement authority.
