Eldred Township residents told to contact lawmakers about biosolids

Eldred Township Chairwomen Mary Anne Clausen told concerned residents this week that it was their responsibility to contact their state legislators regarding the use of biosolids in the township.

“I cannot stress this enough,” Clausen said. “The state has taken this out of our hands and put it into the hands of (Department of Environmental Protection. You need to contact them and let them know that you oppose the use of biosolids in Eldred Township.”

Clausen said the township has employed the law firm of Curtin and Hefner to advise the township on matters relating to the use of the material as a fertilizer on fields in the township. But Clausen said they were advised against appealing the recent permit issued to a farm in the township.

“We were advised that the appeal would cost the township somewhere between $100,000 and $600,000 to pursue,” Clausen said. “In the end if we win, all we would be doing is stopping that one permit. In the meantime there could be four more being approved in the township.

“We are better off at this time looking into ways to strengthen our zoning ordinance.”

Clausen said that the township would be bringing up the issue at the next Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross and Polk planning group meeting.

In the meantime Clausen suggested that residents living near the farms have their wells tested for future reference.

The township is also looking into possibly applying for a grant to improve the site where the old mill stood adjacent to the stone arch bridge in town. There were artist renderings for review of potential designs for the property.

A motion was approved to engage the necessary professionals to advise the township of any concerns with developing the mill property.

The township is not having its traditional Halloween parade this year. Instead there will be a trunk or treat at the Eldred Township Community Center from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

The township also approved trick or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

The township has hired Archie Craig as a part-time, seasonal employee to help with snow removal. Craig will earn $15.25 per hour.