West Windsor Township Council on January 17 approved an ordinance setting up new regulations aimed at prevent pollution from entering the township sewer system.##M:[more]##
The ordinance was approved to create a stormwater program that will bring the township into compliance with a new set of regulations set by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Anyone found to be in violation of the ordinance will be subject to a maximum fine of $1,”000 per and up to 90 days jail.
The ordinance has numerous facets, including regulations governing the disposal of brush and leaves, wastewater, the feeding of wildlife, littering, and illegal connections to the sewer system.
The ordinance limits the placement at the curb or along the street of “yard waste” to the seven-day period before a scheduled collection by the township. Items defined as yard waste include brush, leaves, small branches, twigs, shrub clippings, garden trimmings, plant stalks, pine needles, tree trimmings, pruning debris, weeds, and flowers.
The ordinance also addresses the disposal of waste into the storm sewer system. Allowable waste includes water line flushing and discharges from potable water sources; uncontaminated ground water; air conditioning condensation; irrigation water from landscaping and lawn watering; water from car washing; swimming pool discharges; sidewalk, driveway and street wash water; and flows from fire fighting activities.
The ordinance also deals with litter control, making it illegal to dispose of trash on private property, or roads adjacent to private property in the township other than in garbage receptacles. The measure also applies to litter that is thrown, discarded, or allowed to fall from a vehicle or boat.
The disposal of pet solid waste is addressed as well. The measure calls for all pet excrement deposited on public or private property to be discarded in a waste receptacle, or system designed to convey domestic sewage for proper treatment and disposal. Proper disposal does not include placement of waste in privately-owned trash cans or dumpsters, unless the owner grants permission, says the ordinance.
The ordinance prohibits the feeding of wild animals in any public park, open space area, or on any other property owned or operated by the township. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game. The ordinance also does not apply to animals confined in zoos, or unconfined wildlife at environmental facilities and education centers.
