Along Route 895, Smith Lane and other areas in East Penn Township you’ve seen the skull and cross bone white signs. These signs refer to liquid sewer sludge that the DEP has approved to be placed on a local farm along 895. If you’ve seen these signs and thought they don’t really apply to you because you live further up the road, let me ask you this: Do you enjoy fishing in the Lizard Creek, hunting State Game Land 217 on the Blue Mountain, or enjoy the Lehigh River with those great D&L trails?

According to the notice to appeal from the township, the farm is about ¼ mile from the creek, mostly downhill, the state game land about a mile, and the creek empties into the river about 1.3 miles away. The DEP noted erosion problems on the farm, and the farmer identified problems with stormwater control, but the permit was still issued. The only indication of fixing this would not be implemented until 2020, and no plan has been submitted to the township.

So if you enjoy these natural treasures that are still sensitive from past pollutants, please join us at the next meeting on May 24 at the East Penn Social Hall. You can see the full appeal notice on the East Penn website under biosolids.

Mary Zellers

Lehighton