West Windsor council to mull stormwater ordinances

By: Emily Craighead
   WEST WINDSOR — Six ordinances to bring the township into compliance with new state stormwater regulations are expected to be introduced at the Jan. 3 Township Council meeting.
   The ordinances deal with improper waste disposal, litter control, wildlife feeding, pet waste, illicit connections to storm sewers and yard waste.
   The most significant changes relate to leaf and brush collection. Once the ordinance goes into effect, yard waste cannot be put out on the street or along the curb more than seven days prior to the scheduled collection date. Leaves and brush must also be placed at least 10 feet away from any storm drain inlet.
   Enforcement, including defining operational changes in the Public Works Department, also is being addressed. Under the current system, the township simply follows up on phone complaints from neighbors, according to township Business Administrator Christopher Marion.
   The state-mandated regulations are designed to maintain natural stormwater flow by ensuring stormwater quality and quantity, minimizing soil erosion, maintaining groundwater recharge and minimizing pollutants. The state-mandated plan also requires the township to educate residents through brochures or newsletters about the negative effects of such activities as fertilizing the lawn, throwing litter down storm drains or not cleaning after pets.