Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Compost Facility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents complain of early-morning noise and dust at township compost site; manager says staff are working with DEP and evaluating mitigations
Summary
Multiple residents raised noise, dust and early-hours activity at the township compost site; one resident reported a DEP complaint and health impacts. Manager Mike Gossard said the township is pursuing options but noted an ongoing legal matter with DEP that limits immediate changes.
During public comment at the July 7 Lower Paxton supervisors meeting, residents raised repeated complaints about operations at the township compost/yard‑waste site.
Resident Mr. Johnson told the board he had been repeatedly awakened by early‑morning heavy equipment (citing multiple dates and times, including May 19 at ~06:39), said backup alarms, banging and airborne dust had affected his household’s health, and reported filing a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). He said he documented plume and dust events and urged board action.
Manager Gossard and other officials acknowledged the complaint. Gossard said staff are exploring options, including site access controls and alternative locations, but that the township is constrained by an ongoing legal matter with DEP and cannot implement some changes until that matter is resolved. He said staff have been meeting with department directors and exploring mitigation and longer‑term solutions, and he offered to speak with complainants after the meeting.
Other residents and commenters supported site improvements such as controlled ingress/egress, automatic gates, and security measures to avoid early access by haulers. Several speakers urged the board to move quickly to address dust suppression, hours of operation, and secure access to prevent off‑hour activity.
What the board said: The chair directed staff to follow up with the resident and to keep the board informed. Manager Gossard said the township is evaluating options, looking at other sites and possible inter‑municipal arrangements, and will provide updates.
Ending: The manager offered to meet with complainants after the meeting and to continue exploring mitigations while the township coordinates with DEP and legal counsel.
