Residents press township on compost-site noise, dust and early access; manager cites DEP legal constraints

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the township about persistent noise, dust and early-entry at the municipal compost facility.

One resident, who said he contacted DEP and filed police reports, provided a timeline of early-morning activity and alleged repeated instances of heavy equipment noise and airborne particulate matter that has affected his family's sleep and health. Other commenters described trucks entering before permitted hours and asked the township to consider access controls such as automated gates or timed entry and to enforce operator start times.

Manager Mike Gossard told the board the township is actively looking at options to mitigate impacts, including alternate sites and collaborating with nearby municipalities. He cautioned that the township is constrained by an active legal matter with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and said the township does not want to implement measures that might conflict with DEP directives. Manager Gossard and other supervisors committed to follow up with complainants and investigate operational changes.

Several supervisors suggested practical fixes (fob access, door controls, scheduling) but emphasized they must first understand DEP's requirements before implementing changes. The board asked staff to contact complainants directly and keep them informed of mitigation plans.