Public Works Department

Basin Management and Mowing Policy

BASIN NATURALIZATION:

In an effort to develop more environmentally sound landscape models for a healthier community while decreasing the Township's expense of mowing, the Township started naturalizing basins in 2006 and continues to add a few basins each year. 

Benefits of the naturalization program include:

1. More birds and wildlife will be in the area due to new habitat and food provided by the meadow
2. Reduce the high maintenance cost of regular mowing
3. Reduce runoff pollutants and improve water quality leaving the basin
4. Reduce downstream flooding
5. Enhance drinking water aquifer recharge
6. More naturalized basins allow for the re-colonization of predatory insects that can lessen the mosquito and tick population

The naturalization process includes the following steps"

1. Application of Roundup Pro - kills lawn type grasses (information on product available at the Township building)
2. Dead grass will be removed
3. Spread wildflower seed mix

MOWING POLICY:

Mowing is performed by both the Public Works Department and the Parks and Recreation Department.  The Public Works Department is responsible for mowing the large areas with a flail type mower.  The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the manicured areas.

Warwick Township has adopted a  "Go Green" mowing initiative that is designed for those basins not planned for naturalization and certain Open Space areas.  This initiative includes mowing designated areas 2-3 times annually.  You will notice basins and open space being left to grow naturally for a longer time before they are mowed.  We will only mow the tops of basins.  We will continue to mow trails, pavillions, restroom areas, benches and Park playing fields.

According to the EPA, a traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars each being driven 12,000 miles.  Mowing an average residential property produces as much air pollution as driving a car 200 miles.

Gas mowers emit hydrocarbons (smog), particulate matter (respiratory problems), Carbon Monoxide (poisonous gas), Carbon Dioxide (global warming).  In addition, by mowing less, we reduce the possibility of fuel spills.

In addition to the environmental advantages, this policy will enhance our ability to best utilize and retain our funding for the residents of Warwick Township and improve the safety for our maintenance employees, due to the severe slopes of some of the basins we currently maintain.

We appreciate your understanding as Warwick Township does its part to help the environment and our world.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Warwick Township is continuing its efforts to be environmentally friendly by starting a recycling program for Christmas trees! We will be accepting your used Christmas Trees in the rear parking lot of our Guinea Lane Public Works facility starting December 26, 2011 through February 3, 2012. Please follow the signs and feel free to drop-off your trees for recycling. Please make sure your trees are free of all lights, ornaments and stands. Your trees must be free of any packaging as well. This packaging includes but is not limited to string, wire, plastic or other materials, your tree must be left in its natural state. These trees will be recycled for future use as mulch to keep our environment healthy. We appreciate your efforts to help Warwick Township continue to grow as a Green Community.

After this date please feel free to use Warwick Green Grinders, the Township recycling facility on Rushland Road.In an effort

Roadway Management

 2012 Roadway Improvement Program

Snow Removal Damage

Efforts to remove snow from roadways curb-to-curb or to the shoulder of the road may result in damage to private property. While every measure is taken to minimize damage, heavy snowfall and areas where there are no curbs, makes it difficult for operators to identify the edge of the roadway surface.

The Public Works Department maintains a list of areas damaged during Winter snow removal operations. Once the weather breaks, the Public Works crew will place topsoil, grade and seed damaged areas.

IN KEEPING WITH PADOT’S POLICY, WARWICK TOWNSHIP WILL NOT BE REPLACING MAILBOXES AND POSTS LOCATED IN THE TOWNSHIP STREET RIGHT OF WAY

• It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the mailbox can withstand the potential weight of snow being thrown from a plow, and if mailbox damage does occur, it is the responsibility of the property owner.
  • To minimize the possible damage to a homeowner’s mailbox, Warwick Township provides the following recommendations:
  • Locate mailbox as far from the shoulder of the road as the carrier can reach from a vehicle
    • See USPS mailbox placement guidelines - click here: http://www.usps.com/receive/mailboxstandards.htm
  • Make certain your mailbox has a strong support; check it frequently
  • Use reflective tape (6-8 inch) or similar material to assist the snow plow driver during dark hours or driving snow storms
  • Clear snow from the front of your mailbox and deposit it properly (never shovel snow onto the road)
• Homeowners who have followed these guidelines in the past, and still experience mailbox damage may want to consider installing a cantilever mailbox support that will “swing” a mailbox out of harm’s way. SEE "INSTALLING A CANTILEVER MAILBOX"

Streetlight LED upgrade

Warwick Township received a grant of $211,000, through a Federal stimulus Department of Energy ” PA Conservation Works!” program and committed approximately $35,853 in additional funds to complete the installation of energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs.

Several benefits will be realized with this initiative:

1. Lower energy costs; saving taxpayer dollars
   Reduction of Township’s energy use by 119,881 KwH per year
   Estimated reduction of $9,000 per year; more than $180,0000 over a 20 year lifespan of a new bulb
2. Reduction of maintenance costs
   Anticipated 20 year lifespan with the LED bulb
   4 times longer than existing bulbs
3. Environmental benefits
   Decrease of 189,850 pounds of carbon dioxide per year
   Old bulbs contained mercury and other harmful contaminants

Installation began in May with upgrades completed in the following communities:

• Jamison Hunt
• Hampton Chase
• Mountainview
• Woodrose Manor
• Country Hunt
• Orchard Valley
• Stover Mill
• Hidden Pond
• Township Greene

Street Sweeping Schedule - 2012

Warwick Township sweeps street three times a year or on an as needed basis.

Swale Excavation

The Public works department conducts ongoing inspections of drainage swales within the Township.  Periodic Excavation and Cleaning is necessary to insure proper flow and eliminate backup and/or flooding.

Tree Trimming

The Public Works Department is actively clearing overgrown vegetation from signage and site triangles.  If a resident identifies an area of concern, please contact the Administrative Office to report the location.

Winter Maintenance - Procedure for Snow and Ice Removal

The Public Works Department strives to achieve the safe and efficient removal of snow and ice during winter storms.

The objective of the Township's winter maintenance program is to provide winter highway safety to the traveling public with the most reasonable, efficient and effective manner. To perform this service, it is essential that the salting and plowing operations be conducted in a professional manner, equipment is properly maintained, materials are in sufficient stock and personnel are trained and properly instructed in the methods and procedures to be followed. The Township maintains approximately 60 miles of township roads.

SALTING PROCEDURES: The Township will use liquid salt (brine) on Township streets. The liquid application can be put on the roads up to 48 hours before a storm hits. Brine is a preventative measure to help prevent ice from bonding to roadways. It does NOT melt ice.

The Township uses approximately 850 tons of salt in the average winter. This amount varies depending upon the severity of the winter season. The following procedures will be implemented in the salting phase (both liquid and particle) of any winter operation.

1. The spreaders will be calibrated for the proper application rate.
2. Personnel shall not overload the trucks to avoid spilling of materials.
3. Snow Emergency Routes will be completed first. All main connector roads will follow. Cul-de-sacs will be completed last since they are traveled the least of any roads.
4. Plowing will not begin immediately after the application of the salt. Enough time will be allowed for the salt to start its melting action.

PLOWING: Snow plowing equipment should always travel in the direction of traffic flow. The speed of the plow is normally 15 MPH but will vary with the amount and type of snowfall, the condition of the roadway and traffic conditions. Efforts to minimize damage to private property are a key factor in regulating vehicle speed. Snowplowing will not begin until at least 3" of snow is on the roadway and the application of salt has been given an opportunity to work.

1. First priority routes are those designated as Snow Emergency Routes. These have the highest traffic volume, near schools, emergency facilities, and public institutions.
2. Those routes of the second priority are the streets with signalized intersections, stop intersections, school bus routes and bus stops.
3. Third priority streets are those in the residential developments.
4. The least priority are those streets in the commercial and industrial areas.

Plowing procedures are as follows:
Every truck is assigned to a specific area of responsibility and this is of first priority for the vehicle. After salting operations are concluded and plowing commences, one pass is made in each direction on every street. Cul-de-sacs shall be plowed one pass in and one pass out during the initial phase of the operation. Once the first phase of operation is completed, the driver will contact the Director or supervisor in charge to advise him/her of the current status. If assigned, the driver will assist other drivers in their areas. ALL DRIVERS WILL CHECK IN WITH THE DIRECTOR OR SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE EVERY HOUR TO ADVISE OF HIS/HER STATUS.

Upon completion of the initial phase of the plowing operation, the pushing back phase will begin. This is the phase where all streets are cleaned curb-to-curb or to the shoulder of the road. This plowing procedure is the same as the initial phase with the exception of cul-de-sacs and intersections. These will be done with the help of a backhoe, loader or smaller truck, for reasons of safety and maneuverability. Again, when the driver has completed his/her assigned area, a call shall be made to the Director or supervisor in charge to advise them of his/her status and to ascertain if there are any areas in need of assistance.
Warwick Township Public Works Department maintains and plows nearly 60 miles of Township roads as well as assisting with the maintenance of the many park facilities and detention basins throughout the Township.

TIPS FOR SNOWY WEATHER:

• Residents are urged to park their cars in their driveways during inclement weather so snow crews can plow curb-to-curb to provide a wider path for traffic. Those who must park in the street can avoid congestion and potential accidents by not parking opposite driveways.
• Typically, homeowners place their mailboxes within the Township’s legal right-of-way to allow for the U.S. Postal Service to conveniently deliver the mail. If a mailbox is placed as far from the shoulder of the road as possible, and the mailbox rests on a firm support, the mailbox should be able to withstand the force of snow from plowing operations.

See USPS guidelines for mailbox placement here: http://www.usps.com/receive/mailboxstandards.htm

IN KEEPING WITH PADOT’S POLICY, WARWICK TOWNSHIP WILL NOT BE REPLACING MAILBOXES AND POSTS LOCATED IN THE TOWNSHIP STREET RIGHT OF WAY

• It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the mailbox can withstand the potential weight of snow being thrown from a plow, and if mailbox damage does occur, it is the responsibility of the property owner.
• To minimize the possible damage to a homeowner’s mailbox, Warwick Township provides the following recommendations:
  • Locate mailbox as far from the shoulder of the road as the carrier can reach from a vehicle
  • Make certain your mailbox has a strong support; check it frequently
  • Use reflective tape (6-8 inch) or similar material to assist the snow plow driver during dark hours or driving snow storms
  • Clear snow from the front of your mailbox and deposit it properly (never shovel snow onto the road)
  • Homeowners who have followed these guidelines in the past, and still experience mailbox damage may want to consider installing a cantilever mailbox support that will “swing” a mailbox out of harm’s way.
• Being pro-active and taking the necessary measures to winterize your mailbox, making it stable and visible will allow for efficient snow removal operations and the continued convenience of mail delivery to your home. We appreciate your cooperation

As soon as snow or freezing rain starts, salting and cindering operations will begin on the primary snow removal routes. Residents should stay on these main thoroughfares.

Plowing will begin as the snow depth reaches 3 to 4 inches. Motorists should stay well behind the trucks and give them room to operate.

After the primary routes, the secondary streets will be plowed. During a Snow Emergency, residents should keep informed by listening to the radio or watching television.

Residents are also asked to remain patient because inclement weather slows down crews as well as motorists. Cooperation from residents will help us conduct a more efficient snow removal.

SNOW REMOVAL DAMAGE:

• Efforts to remove snow from roadways curb-to-curb or to the shoulder of the road may result in damage to private property. While every measure is taken to minimize damage, heavy snowfall and areas where there are no curbs, makes it difficult for operators to identify the edge of the roadway surface.
• The Public Works Department maintains a list of areas damaged during winter snow removal operations. Once the weather breaks, the Public Works crew will place topsoil, grade and seed damaged areas.

Click to enlarge

Installing a Cantilever Mailbox