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Lower Saucon planners table fire station rebuild to resolve wastewater and buffer questions
Summary
The Planning Commission heard a proposal to replace the Lower Saucon Fire Rescue station and truck bays but voted to table the application for follow-up inspections and engineering on septic, ‘industrial wastewater’ rules and riparian buffers.
The Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission voted to table consideration of a proposed demolition and rebuild of the Lower Saucon Fire Rescue station after commissioners raised questions about wastewater treatment, runoff and riparian buffer impacts.
Ian Kaufman of Keystone Consulting Engineers presented the project, saying the plan would replace the existing social-hall/garage complex with a roughly 3,100-square-foot fire station and about 3,600 square feet of connected truck bays, reduce impervious coverage by about 8,000 square feet and keep utilities on the lot. "We did receive our E and S approval from Northampton County Conservation District," Kaufman said, and he noted the project was under one acre of disturbance so an NPDES permit would not be required.
Several commissioners pressed for further confirmation that vehicle and gear washing and parking-lot runoff would comply with state/local wastewater rules. "All wastewater — washing the truck and washing the hoses — it's unfortunately, says that's industrial wastewater," a commissioner read from the packet, and the commission asked the applicant to coordinate with Hanover Engineering and the township sewage enforcement officer to confirm compliance. Ty Johnson, who identified himself as "Ty Johnson, fire chief, Lower Saucon Fire Rescue," explained operational needs for truck access and gear washing but agreed inspections and documentation were appropriate.
The commission discussed options—preliminary approval with conditions, deferral of some curb/sidewalk requirements, or tabling for a cleaned, revised plan. The body voted to table the application so the applicant can submit clarified engineering and confirm regulatory compliance; commissioners and engineers said they would try to get the item back on the August agenda if the applicant submits updates promptly.
