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Public Works

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1. Who do I call if a street light is out on our street?

PPL, Inc. is responsible for fixing public street lights when they are not working. In initiate a work request to fix the problem, you have two options. First, you can contact the Township Public Works department at 569-6406 ext. 1129 and explain the location and/or provide the pole number and the Township will contact PPL, Inc. to arrange for the repair. Second, you can contact PPL, Inc. Directly. For PPL Electric Utilities-owned lights that number is the customer contact center at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). Please note that PPL, Inc. likes to have the unique pole number from the street light pole to make sure their service staff are able to find the proper location of the problem. The PPL service folks may take a clear description of the pole location, if it is difficult to find the pole number or reach the pole on a busy street. Each pole with a street light should have a small silver placard located at eye level on the pole containing a two line PPL pole number (i.e. PPL Co., 40486; 527907). Anyone can call go through this process to report a broken street light or an electrical outage. 

PPL Service Request Link

2. How can I obtain a recycling bin for our home?

Green recycling bins are available at the Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. A bin is issued at no charge to home owners of newly constructed residences. To receive a new bin, or replace a lost, damaged or stolen bin, they can be purchased from the Township at the cost of $15.00 per bin.  

3. What are the rules for putting my garbage cans out?

As a resident of Manheim Township, you are required to have weekly refuse & recycling pickup. Residents are free to choose from any of the registered township haulers. In terms of putting out garbage on the street, below are some guidelines to help you with your disposal needs. Refuse is collected one time per week and is to be collected on the same day as your recycling. Containers may not be placed along streets for pickup sooner than 3:00 P.M. on the day before your scheduled pickup. Containers shall not be left along streets longer than 12 hours after your scheduled day of collection. Registered township haulers shall pickup refuse between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. If your scheduled pickup falls on a holiday, please contact your hauler to determine your pickup day. Typically, if your refuse collection day falls on a holiday, then pickup will be delayed by one day. If your refuse is missed, please contact your hauler as soon as possible to have your garbage picked up. Pick up of all "bulk" or oversized refuse items, such as furniture, mattresses, grills, etc., should be arranged through your refuse hauler.

4. How do I sign up for news and alert notifications?

Follow the link to the "Notify Me" page and sign up for the news and alert notifications you are interested in.

"Notify Me" Link

5. When will my street be cleaned?

Residential streets within Manheim Township are swept during March through April.

6. What do I do if I have brown water?

Please contact the Lancaster City Bureau of Water at the link below.

Lancaster City Bureau of Water

7. Do I need a permit to re-pave my driveway?

If you are paving the existing driveway with no intentions of expanding the driveway, you do not need a permit. However, if you are paving your driveway and expanding the area of the driveway for additional parking area or a basketball court, then you do need a permit from the Planning and Zoning Department. If you are doing construction as part of the driveway and opening the street in the public right-of-way, a street opening permit is required.

8. Where do I go to file a complaint against my utility company?

Most utility services and similar companies want to resolve your consumer issues. So, before filing a complaint against your utility company, try and work with their customer service staff and similar resources to resolve the issues. If all else fails, there are some options to take you complaints to the next level of oversight. In Pennsylvania, the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees all public utilities in the Commonwealth. The Township is not the appropriate entity to contact when you have a service issue related to public utilities monitored by the PUC. Again, all consumers must first attempt to resolve service issues with the respective utility company. If the utility company is non-responsive to your request for improvements to service, you need to contact the PA Public Utility Commission, Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS). The Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) assists consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUCs authority. Again, before you file an informal complaint, you must first deal directly with your utility company. If the company is unable to resolve your problem, you may contact us to file an informal complaint. BCS investigates and responds to informal complaints as soon as possible. The telephone number for the BCS is below. 1-800-692-7380 Please do not file an Informal or Formal Complaint or provide BCS comments regarding the following utilities, since the PUC does not regulate these services: For Rural Electric Cooperatives, please contact the PA Rural Electric Association. For utilities owned and operated by municipalities that operate wholly within their limits (none in Manheim Township), contact the service provider. For Cable TV companies (Comcast in Manheim Township), contact the municipal office. For cellular or wireless phone companies, contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For bottled propane gas companies, contact the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection. For oil companies, contact the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection.

PUC Bureau of Consumer Services

9. What is the Township doing to help residents with downed tree branches after storms?

Manheim Township does not offer private property owners tree and branch removal services. Private home owners and property owners are responsible for the care of their own property and should care for these matters independently or with the assistance of their neighbors and/or private lawn/yard care services. The Township does maintain the Compost Park at 2775 Oregon Pike for residents to haul and dispose of tree branches for a modest charge. Tree branches should not be confused with leaves and the annual leaf pick-up rogram. The Township does provides free leaf only pick-up for leaves in the Fall for all Township residents. 

10. Can a property owner discharge a foundation drain/sump pump onto a public street?

No. Sump drainage is to stay on private property...at least initially. A property owner may not terminate the discharge of a sump pump onto a public street. The PA Uniform Construction Code, under the foundation drainage section (Section R405.1.1) states that "Sump pump discharge piping shall terminate at least 5 feet beyond the exterior foundation wall, but no closer than 10 feet from a property line or street right-of-way." The property owner must terminate the sump pump drain with these space requirements.

11. What are some techniques to use in discouraging skunks in my yard or neighborhood?

The first and best approach to dealing with wildlife in urban environments is to practice tolerance - understanding and acceptance of the natural patterns of animal life and respect and appreciation of wild animals. As useful as the repellents and scare devices described below may be, they create inconvenience and displacement or even death for the skunks and perhaps other species as well. This fact is paramount when considering their use. Preventative measures, such as removing attractants from the vicinity of your house, will decrease the likelihood of an encounter with any wild animal. Attractants include garbage and dog or cat food left out at night, open compost piles, a pond, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches, and access to crawl spaces under houses are all attractive to skunks and other wildlife because they make ideal denning sites. Tragically, some people feel the only solution to a resident skunk is to put out a live trap, catch the skunk, and then destroy or relocate them. Inevitably, another skunk or wild animal will move into the area and the cycle begins all over again. Skunks, like other suburban and urban wildlife, prefer to live the easy life we unknowingly provide for them and don't like a hostile environment. Taking steps to deter these animals will encourage them to move on. Relocating a skunk miles away from its - your - home is akin to you being transported to Chicago with no food, no money, and only the clothes on your back. They have a slim chance of survival against the other animals who already have established territories, who know where to find food, and where to hide from predators. Moving an animal can also spread disease, not just between the old area and the new, but also between species. Viruses such as distemper and parvo thrive in new hosts. The practice of trapping and relocating animals risks separating mothers from their young and leaving the babies behind to die, or to be raised by financially-strapped rehabilitation centers. Taking Care of Your Trash and Waste - The most effective method of discouraging visits by a skunk is to secure metal trash containers with tight-fitting lids and to hold to the lid in place with a thick rubber strap. Make sure compost piles are in sturdy closed containers. Keep all recycling containers closed and out of reach. If you feed your dog or cat outside, be sure to bring any leftover food indoors after dusk. Replace the food and water bowls with ammonia stations during the nighttime hours. Scare Devices And Repellents - Motion-sensitive oscillating sprinklers have been very successful in deterring wildlife. Ro-pel and Get-Away are taste and smell repellents available for use in target areas. You can also place regular household ammonia stations around your yard in the areas frequented by skunks. To do this, take a shallow dish or bowl, place a rag in it, and pour ammonia over the rag until it is completely saturated. Place extra ammonia in the dish so the rag will continue to wick it up through the night. Avoid lawn areas, as ammonia will burn the grass. Dealing With Skunk Families - Skunks usually breed once a year, in February or March. Birth usually occurs in April or May and skunk kittens remain in the burrow about two months until fully weaned. Young skunks stay with their mothers until late fall. When a mother skunk and her young are present, we recommend leaving them alone for the few weeks that the young are helpless. Monitor the skunks' activity to determine when they have left for good, and then secure all entrances to the nest site to prevent re-entry. Trapping skunks is rarely necessary and should never be done when they are nesting. IMPORTANT: If you have a mother with babies, be sure to give her extra time to relocate her entire family before you seal the entrance to the den. If the parent is gone but you are unsure whether the young are also out, do not seal the opening. The babies will starve and possibly discharge their spray before dying if trapped in the den. Consider using a mild deterrent such as a radio to accelerate the skunks' departure from the den. Under The House, Porch, Deck, Or Shed - It is important to check your property regularly to ensure that all air vents and openings to crawl spaces and other potentially accessible areas are secured. Skunks are rodent predators who often follow mice and rats into these areas. Close openings are decks, sheds, stairs, and hot tubs. Keep woodpiles elevated off the ground and pick up any debris that could potentially house a skunk den. Place a radio near a known skunk den and keep it on loud during the day. Wait until the animal has begun their nightly foray and locate all entrances and exits. Block all exits except one and use repellents or frightening strategies to scare the skunks out. To be certain the animals have left, sprinkle flour at the exit and watch for footprint that lead away from the opening. When you are sure the animal is gone, securely close the opening. Yards and Gardens - Skunks are one of the easiest of our wild neighbors to deter. Because they normally do not climb, fencing is a highly effective means of keeping skunks out of your yard. By attaching an extension of chicken wire along the base of your fence and burying it below the ground's surface, you will prevent skunks from gaining access by digging under the fence. Vegetable gardens can attract skunks, although they are mainly interested in the harmful rodents and insects that can ruin your garden. While foraging for grubs, skunks may dig many shallow holes in the lawn, similar to those made by both raccoons and squirrels. A nursery or garden center can advise you about how to prevent grubs.

12. How do I protect my pet from skunks in our yard and neighborhood?

The best way to protect your dog, cat, or other companion animal from wildlife is to keep them inside at night. Domestic animals left in the yard where a skunk might live or forage could be sprayed anytime from dusk to dawn. Each night, lock dogs and cats indoors to keep wild animals from entering your home or garage. Most cats get along with skunks but occasionally an overly territorial cat will be sprayed. Dogs generally are sprayed because they chase or threaten skunks. If you need to let your dog out during the night, turn on the patio lights first and scan the yard visually. If your companion animal is sprayed, we recommend the following recipe. Skunk spray will dissipate over time.

13. Do you have any information on the PPL's Transmission Line Vegetation Management program?

Yes. Click on the link below for PPL's Transmission Line Vegetative Management pamphlet for information about the program and ways to minimize impact to transmission lines. This information and more is also available on the PPL website.

Transmission Line Vegetative Management Info

14. Why is PPL Inc. cutting trees and vegetation in its easements and rights-of-way?

There are several reasons for doing this work: 1. It is critical that PPL Inc. maintain the reliability of the electrical transmission system. 2. Transmission vegetation management work is required so PPL Inc. can keep the lights on for homes and businesses in the region. 3. Regular vegetative maintenance is already paying dividends for customers in terms of maintain a reliable electrical system. 4. PPL Inc. is required to meet Federal reliability standards on certain high-voltage lines and vegetative maintenance helps to meet these standards.

15. How will I know when PPL Inc. is coming to do work on trees and vegetation in our area?

For planned vegetation management activities, PPL Inc. has a multistep communications process.

First, PPL Inc. will mail initial notices to property owners along the transmission line about 4-6 weeks before work is to be done. This letter includes a phone number to call if residents have questions, and a link to our website that contains more information.

PPL Inc. will schedule a personal meeting to discuss the work in advance with any property owner who wishes to ask questions or get more information.

Next, PPL Inc.'s contractor for the job follows up with another notice and also attempts to personally contact the property owner.

In addition, PPL Inc. will provide another notice just before the work takes place. This notice is provided when specific concerns exist, when the property owner has requested it, or when PPL Inc. has been unable to reach the property owner on previous attempts.

16. Is PPL Inc. using herbicides when it is maintaining vegetation near its lines and rights-of way?

Yes. The judicious use of herbicides is an important part of PPL Inc.'s vegetation management program. PPL Inc. uses herbicides to manage undesirable growth in the right of way. These herbicides are all EPA-approved and are applied by hand, or from trucks or using small ATVs. Herbicides are used on all transmission rights of way unless the easement agreement specifically prohibits it.

PPL Inc. takes necessary environmental precautions when using herbicides, some of which are the same as those commonly used by homeowners. Herbicides are applied as part of the initial treatment of the right of way and typically in a three-year cycle thereafter. PPL Inc's goal for the Wire Zone is to promote the growth of low-growing vegetation such as grasses and eliminate taller growing vegetation. PPL Inc. achieves this goal by using herbicides that target woody and broad-leafed vegetation but do not harm grasses and similar desirable plants.

17. Is PPL Inc. using the same herbicides on land as it does in water?

No. PPL, Inc. uses special aquatic herbicides on watershed properties. These herbicides are labeled to use right up to water sources. With non-aquatic herbicides PPL Inc. stays 50 feet away from water.

18. Why does PPL Inc. sometimes leave cut trees in the right of way?

In all cases PPL Inc. will do its best to work with property owners to meet their needs regarding cut vegetation. Except in dense residential areas, PPL Inc. generally does not remove or dispose of any vegetation from cutting on transmission line rights of way. Many property owners want the wood for lumber or firewood. In some areas, like hillsides, leaving cut vegetation protects against erosion. It also can serve as valuable wildlife habitat. In addition, PPL Inc's actions in the right of way are governed by the terms of the written easement agreement with the property owner.

19. Are farmers permitted to grow crops under a PPL Inc. transmission line?

Yes. Seasonal crops may be permitted near our transmission lines in certain circumstances. PPL Inc. will work with commercial tree farms or orchards on a case-by-case basis to set a maximum height for permissible vegetation that does not pose a threat to the line.

20. What do I need to do to reduce mosquitoes, bites and the threat of West Nile Virus on our property?

One of the best ways to minimize risk of mosquitos is to take action in and around your home to eliminate habitat for the mosquitos that carry the virus.

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers in and around your yard that may hold water. Mosquitos that carry the virus live near and lay eggs in these types of containers.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers to more effectively drain any standing water.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Fish eat mosquito eggs and larvae.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

If you do have stagnant pools of water on your property, you can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Used properly, this naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months. West Nile Information

21. Does PPL inc. compensate people for trees they cut down?

When appropriate and based on our contractual obligations in the ROW agreement, PPL Inc. may compensate farmers for crop damage caused by power line construction and management operations. When appropriate and based on our contractual obligations, PPL, Inc. also may compensate commercial tree or orchard operations for trees that need to be removed because of power line work, including Wire Zone-Border Zone work.

PPL Inc. is sensitive to the concern for private home and business owners with tree vegetation in the right of way. But keep in mind that the written right of way agreements with these property owners specifically permit PPL Inc. to cut incompatible trees and vegetation in the right of way to maintain the safe operation of the power lines. Property owners get notified well in advance and can choose to transplant vegetation.

22. Do I get free bags for leaves if I live on a State Road?

Yes. The Commonwealth of PA will not permit the Township to use it's vacuums for residential leaf pick-up along its roads. This is a safety concern. However, the Commonwealth of PA will permit the Township to pick up bagged leaves during the fall leaf pick-up period. Since residents living on Township streets receive free leaf pickup services from Township crews through the vacuums, it was determined that residents along state roads should enjoy the benefit of free limited amount of leaf bags.

23. Where can I pick up free leaf bags for my home since I live on a state road?

If you live on a state road in Manheim Township, you are provided a limited number of free leaf bags to place leaves from your property along the road for pick-up. You can obtain your free bags at the Township Municipal Building 1840 Municipal Drive.  Please contacting the Public Works Department at 717-569-6406 ext 1129 if you have any questions. When you call, be prepared to let us know the number of bags you need. When you come to pick them up, please be prepared to have identification ready to show that you are resident of Manheim Township and to verify that you live on a state road. Free bags are not available to other Township residents. However, kraft or yard waste bags are available for sale at our local home center, some groceries and home improvement stores in the Lancaster area.

24. Can I put paper yard bags with whole leaves out and along my street for the Township to pickup?

Yes, but only during the Township's leaf collection program (October 15 to January 1). If you live on a state road, please place all bags off the edge of the road. If you use yard bags for whole leaves and you live on a Township street, you may place bags along the street for pickup during the normal scheduled leaf pickup only.

25. Does the Township have a "call in" yard waste bag pickup service for leaves?

No. Paper leaf waste bags may be placed at curb side with leaves and will be picked up during the normal leave collection cycle. Do not call into the Township offices requesting leaf pickup outside of the scheduled pick up dates.

26. Where do I call if I have a flickering lights or a power outage?

Power outages should be reported directly to PPL, Inc. Please report emergencies immediately, including downed power lines, by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). Press 1 for "Power Problem" when prompted. You will also need to call in to report partial power or flickering lights. If you are completely without power, check to see if your neighbors have lights, and check your breakers and fuses. Then contact PPL, Inc. Outage reports help PPL, Inc. determine the scope of an outage and direct PPL service crews to the problem. So even if you think someone in your neighborhood already has reported the outage, PPL, Inc. wants to hear from you, too.

PPL, Inc. On-line Outage Reporting Link

27. What can we do about hundreds or thousands of crows roosting on our property?

Manheim Township is not equipped and does not have the manpower to address crows that migrate and roost on private property in the Township. Fortunately, there is a local organization in Lancaster County that does assist property owners with this type of problem. Residents and property owners are advised to contact the Lancaster Crow Coalition for guidance and assistance.

Crows are generally not classified as pests, although when thousands are roosting over your home or street, this situation and crows are difficult to defend. While crows inadvertently and naturally choose places to roost that sometimes cause problems to humans, they are intelligent and can be trained or educated to relocate to natural areas.

The Lancaster Crow Coalition will not respond to crows living naturally and not roosting in large groups and not causing problems. The phrase "...a lot of crows..." refers to groups in the hundreds or thousands -- not to small groups of one or two families in a tree. Coalition volunteers will attempt to manage the birds if they are causing real problems for residents and businesses. The goal is to educate the birds, by which Coalition volunteers will temporarily harass the animals so they learn where they are welcome and where they are not. Again, crows should be left alone if they're not in parking lots, on rubber or asphalt roofs, or in trees along densely-populated streets (where their droppings land on cars or sidewalks).

If you are having problems with crows, please contact the Lancaster Crow Coalition at its Hotline #

717-572-9088

NOTE: When calling, you may be connected to voice mail, but you will receive a return call within 12-24 hours, 7 days a week. If need be, one of the Coalition volunteers will visit your location to assess the situation. Lancaster Crow Coalition website

28. How do my neighbors and I close our street for a block party?

The first step in preparing for a block party is to contact the Manheim Township Police Department with a petition signed by a majority of your neighbors agreeing to hold a block party on your street. This will be one of the first questions the police will ask. This contact should be made at lease a month in advance of the block party. Most block parties do not technically "close" streets. Neighbors that live on the block are usually free to enter and exit the street to get to their homes. If a UPS truck needs to get in, the street typically is still "open" and the vehicle enters slowly and carefully and then moves on. A block party is more about slowing or limiting movements on the street. For safety reasons for limiting or slowing vehicles moving on the street, you and your neighbors may desire to place barricades or cones on your street. These are available at the Township Public Works Department. When you have notified the Police Department of your event with the petition, you may call the PW Department at 569-6406 Ext 1129 and request the barricades and cones suitable for your needs. The Township has a very modest charge for the rental of barricades and cones per event ($10 per barricade, $1 per cone, 10% administrative fee). These items will be delivered to your street and picked up after the party.

29. What should I do during a drinking water advisory?

Most drinking water advisories from the City of Lancaster require that residents boil their water for temporary period of time to insure that any microbial contaminates are eliminated.   All public water in Manheim Township is provided by the City of Lancaster.  If you have any questions about your water, please contact the City of Lancaster Water Department: Water Quality Laboratory at (717) 291-4818 Monday-Friday 7:45 AM-4:15 PM. After hours, the Water Bureau emergency phone number is (717) 291-4816.

City of Lancaster Website

30. Do I need approval or a permit to cut down a tree in the public right-of-way?

Yes. Manheim Township requires a permit for anyone interested in removing a tree located in the public right-of-way. A permit is only issued if the tree is in decline or decay as a potential hazard. The applicant must complete a form which is available at the Municipal Office. There is no fee for the permit. Should you have any additional questions contact Manheim Township Public Works at 717-569-6406 ext. 1129, or email. 

31. How long do I have to remove snow?

Residents are required to remove snow and/or ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours of storm cessation. Do not push or throw snow or ice into roadways. This creates hazardous driving conditions.

32. When will my street be cleaned?

Residential streets within Manheim Township are swept at the end of March through the first two weeks of April.