LOCAL INFORMATION

 

Cresap Fort

Rexroth Park 

Polling Places 

Municipal Solid Waste 

 Required Permits 

OLDS-Septic Pumping Information

Cresap Fort

During the days of the Susquehanna tide water canal the longest distance between locks approximately 5 miles. This section of York County boarding on the Susquehanna River between these same locks was given the appropriate name "Long Level". The Indian name for these grounds was Conejohela (at the place of the boiling kettle). The history of Long Level can be traced back at least 300 years. 

An important historic period of Long level was the time of occupation by Captain Thomas Cresap. He took possession of the forbidden land at the Conejohela, in Springettsbury Manor, in the interest of the Providence of Maryland, about the years 1730-1736. Thomas Cresap moved onto these Indian lands in York County, erected a house and tried to protect the ground for Maryland. Cresap got a land patent from Maryland authorities for 150 acres of this ground, which he called "Pleasant Gardens". 

Troubles started to brew when he settled in the Conejohela territory. He persuaded 49 different families of German immigrants to take up lands controlled by him in York. He had no legal titles to these lands but he went ahead and subdivided the lands into farms and transferred deeds to these German families. Buyers were told their tracts were in Maryland. Many descendants of the 49 families still reside in this territory. Cresap believed he was living in Maryland: his Pennsylvania neighbors believed differently. Cresap found himself in a border dispute between Lord Baltimore, to the south, and William Penn, to the north. 

Pennsylvania issued a warrant for Cresap's arrest by 1736 and he was taken to Lancaster and placed in irons. In 1737 he was released and in 1768 the Mason and Dixon Line was drawn, finally settling the border dispute. Cresap died in 1787 in Maryland. 

In 1924, the Historical Society of York County, along with the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, erected a monument to Cresap - a plaque on a boulder at Long Level and Bank Hill Roads in Lower Windsor Township. The marker was erected to immortalize the historical spot on which his cabin was erected rather than to perpetuate the memory of the intruder who occupied the cabin. 

The large boulder was hauled from "Devil's Hole", an abandoned limestone quarry which is adjacent to the Long Level ball fields, by local residents with a mule pulling wagon team. Oscar Thomas donated the land to the state of Pennsylvania where this monument is standing. At that time, Mrs. Evelyn (Thomas) Arnold, daughter of Oscar Thomas, unveiled the cloth covered stone at a ceremony where state officials and members from the York Historic Society and an Indian Chief from the West participated. 

The Cresap Fort Monument was damaged by the flood of 1996 and was repaired in February 1998 by Lower Windsor Township Highway Department employees. A donation of stone and concrete made by County Line Quarry, Wrightville, to give the monument a sturdy foundation. 

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Rexroth Park

1. The rental fee is:

$50.00 large pavilion
$25.00 small pavilion
$10.00 youth groups 

2. Picnic tables under the pavilion are to remain there. 

3. Persons reserving the pavilion are responsible for the clean up of the pavilion area and charcoal pits. 

4. Persons reserving the pavilion are responsible for damage that occurs during the time the pavilion is in use by their group. 

5. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES. 

6. All Rexroth Park rules apply: 

Hours of operation: Daylight to Dusk Prohibited:

No damaging, destroying, or marking equipment on the property.
No alcohol or drugs allowed on premises.
No littering.
No pets.
No bicycles, motorized vehicles, or skateboards off roadway.
No profane or obscene language. 

Call the Lower Windsor Township Office @ 244-6813 to make park reservations.

POLICE PATROL AREA AND VANDALS WILL BE PROSECUTED. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK . 

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Polling Places

District #1
Evangelical & Reformed Church
4845 East Prospect Road 

District #2
Eastern High School Administration Office
720 Cool Creek Road (Watch for signs) 

District #3
Craley Community Fire Company
73 New Bridgeville Road 

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Libraries

Kaltreider-Benfer Library
147 S. Charles St.
Red Lion, PA 17356
Phone: 244-2032
Website: www.Kaltreider-Benfer.org
 

Kreutz Creek Valley Library
66 Walnut Springs Rd.
Hellam, PA 17406
Phone: 252-4080
Website: www.kcvlfriends.org
 

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Municipal Solid Waste/Garbage Disposal

Lower Windsor Township does not require residents or commercial enterprises to use any specific solid waste disposal company. All residents or commercial enterprises are responsible to contract their own solid waste disposal. 

Large item clean up is held in April and in October each year at the Modern Landfill 4400 Mt. Pisgah Road.  Please check the spring and fall newsletters for the dates, times and coupons for dropping these items off as well as for a list of items that will not be accepted.

Lower Windsor Township does provide a container for residents or commercial enterprises to drop off recyclable materials at the Township Maintenance Building, 111 Walnut Valley Ct. Wrightsville, PA 17368. Currently we accept the following: plastics, bi-metal cans, aluminum cans, and glass. 

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Required Permits                         

    *Sewage Permit

A sewage permit is required for all systems. A new system permit cost is $370.00. Applications can be obtained at the township office. Fee payment is expected at time of application. 

A repair permit is required for systems that have malfunctioned and need repair. Applications can be obtained at the township office. The fee for a repair application is $135.00 and is expected at time of application. 

You must contact a township sewage enforcement officer for an appointment concerning new and repair permit testing and or inspections.  See Departments - Sewage Enforcement.

   *Driveway Permit

A driveway permit is required when creating a new driveway or reconstructing an existing driveway that connects to a township road. The application fee is $25.00 applications can be obtained at the township office. Fee payment is expected at time of application. 

A permit is required for a new driveway connecting to a state road. An application can be obtained from PennDot by calling 848-6230. 
 

    *Zoning Permit


A zoning permit is required for the erection, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, alteration, moving, demolition or change of use of a structure or land before such new structure or use or change of use is occupied. The application fee is $10.00 flat fee, plus $2.00 per each $1,000 thereof of construction value. For a list of zoning permit exemptions, please refer to Section 901.A of the Zoning Ordinance.

     *Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Building Permit



A UCC building permit is required whenever your construction project will need to be inspected to ensure that it meets the standards of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The UCC covers all aspects of construction: framing, electric, plumbing and mechanical. Any project that will affect any of these systems must have a Building Code Permit issued by Code Administrators Inc. For further information regarding the Building Code Permit Process, please click here “Building Code Permit Process”.
 

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OLDS- Septic Pumping

February 27, 2002
 

Dear Property Owner:

 In December 2001, Lower Windsor Township adopted an OLDS, (On-lot sewage disposal system), Ordinance No. 2001-02, as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections approval of the Act 537 plan. This ordinance, establishing the OLDS program, became effective January 1, 2002. The following is a summary of each property owner’s responsibilities under the Ordinance:

   1. Property owners must pump their on-lot sewage disposal system once every four years based on the following
       schedule:

A.  Properties located in Lower Windsor Township District #1: Calendar year 2002 District #1 shall consist of all properties east of Cool Creek and Cabin Creek Roads and north of East Prospect and Calvary Church Roads. 

B. Properties located in Lower Windsor Township District #2:  Calendar year 2003 District #2 shall consist of all properties south of East Prospect and Calvary Church Roads and east of Prayer Mission and Snyder Corner Roads. 

C. Properties located in Lower Windsor Township District #3:  Calendar year 2004 District #3 shall consist of all properties west of Prayer Mission and Snyder Corner Roads and south of East Prospect Road.

D. Properties located in Lower Windsor Township District #4:  Calendar year 2005   District #4 shall consist of all properties north of East Prospect Road and west of Cabin Creek and Cool Creek Roads.

    2. After the above schedule is completed, the schedule rotation will start over again.

    3. If you pumped your system within 1 year of your notification, and can submit a copy of your receipt to the
       Township, you will be considered to be in compliance with the ordinance. The new date that your system
       must be pumped will be in the next four-year cycle.

    4. Enclosed is a list of septage pumpers licensed to operate within Lower Windsor Township. When you
       arrange to have your system pumped, you should contact one of these companies. Licensed pumpers are
       responsible for providing both property owners and the Township with a detailed report of each system they
       pump.  Pumpers licensed by the Township must provide the location where they dispose of septage, and
       abide by all state and local regulations.

 If you have questions regarding the OLDS program, we suggest that you review the enclosed materials first; especially the sheet entitled “Answers to your Questions”. If after reading all the materials you have any questions, please call the township office at 244-6813.  Your cooperation in establishing the OLDS program is greatly appreciated.
 
Sincerely,

Board of Supervisors
Lower Windsor Township

Lower Windsor Township
On-lot Disposal System (OLDS) Program
 

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Why did the Township adopt an OLDS program?     It is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that all local governments in Pennsylvania have a DEP approved Sewage Facilities Plan. The township is required to establish an On-lot Disposal System (OLDS) Program as part of its Official Act 537 Sewage Facilities plan. If a municipality fails to submit and receive approval from the DEP, they may impose a suspension not allowing the Township to issue any sewage permits (new, replacement or repair permits). By law, the Township also cannot issue building permits until a sewage permit has been issued. 

How will the Township’s OLDS program change the way I currently take care of my septic system?    If you are presently providing regular maintenance to your on-lot sewage disposal system, it will have very little change. Over the next four years all Township property owners will be required to pump out their system at least once every four years. If you currently have your system pumped out on a regular schedule (every year, once every two years, etc.), you should continue to do so.

So you’re saying that I have to pump out my system every four years. I’ve used the same on-lot system for thirty years and never had it pumped out. Why should I start having it pumped out now?    According to the Penn State Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department, an un-maintained septic tank is no longer protecting the soil absorption field from solids. In plain language, property owners with un-maintained systems, to some degree or another, are polluting both their own and their neighbor’s ground water. Since most Township properties with on-lot systems also have on-lot wells, the need for regular maintenance is extremely important for the health and safety of everyone.

What if I pump out my system every year? How does the OLDS program effect me?  It doesn’t. As we stated in the second question, you should continue to maintain your system on your present schedule. The value of the OLDS program is that, for the first time, all properties will have to provide proper maintenance to their system, reducing the potential for groundwater pollution.

My family just moved into our home here in the Township. How do I know when I have to pump out my system?    First, reread the section in the enclosed letter from the Township, which describes the initial pumping schedule, and determine which District you live in. Once you know which District your property is located in, you must have your system pumped within the year listed for that District. After the four-year cycle is completed, the Township will automatically send a reminder to the property owner, at the beginning of the year, notifying them that they are scheduled for pumping.

I live in District #1 and according to the Township’s schedule I must pump out my system before December 31, 2002. I usually have my system pumped every three or four years and I just had it pumped last summer. Do you mean that I have to have my system pumped again?  If you pumped your system within 1 year of your notification, and can submit a copy of your receipt to the Township, you will be considered to be in compliance with the ordinance. The new date that your system must be pumped will be in the next four-year cycle for your District.

My wife and I now live alone. We don’t generate as much wastewater as we once did when our children lived at home. Shouldn’t the size of my septic tank and the fact that it’s just the two of us mean that we could pump out our system less frequently than the required four years?    Enclosed with this mailing is a chart taken from a publication by The Penn State Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department entitled *“Septic Tank Pumping.”  The chart shows the estimated pumping frequencies based on tank size and the number of persons per household.  Based on the schedule shown on the Penn State chart, the four-year pumping schedule is a longer period than recommended for most Township households.  However, upon written request, the Township may allow septic tanks to be pumped out less frequently, if the owner can demonstrate to the Township that the system can operate properly without the need for pumping for a period longer than four (4) years, but in no case shall such period extend beyond five (5) years. 

Will I still be able to use my present septic tank pumper?  As of January 1, 2002, all septage pumpers operating in Lower Windsor Township must be licensed with the Township. We have enclosed a list of pumpers who have obtained a license as of the date of this mailing. Property owners are free to call whichever company they wish from the enclosed list.

The pumping company I normally use is not on the list. What do I do?  If the pumping company you regularly use is not on the list, you should urge them to contact the Township and obtain a license. They must be licensed before they can pump systems in Lower Windsor Township.

In your letter announcing the OLDS program, you mentioned that the Pumper is required to fill out a report form. What is this form, what is it for, and will I get a copy?    The Township has provided all licensed pumpers with Septic Tank Pumper’s Report forms. When your pumper comes to your property to pump out your system, he will fill out a form that notes the name and address of the property; describes the location of the system on the property, the size of the tank and what maintenance, if any, was done or needs to be done to the system. The Pumper should give you a copy of the report for your records, one to keep in his files and one to the Township for its records. The Septic Tank Pumper’s Report form is for information purposes only.

Will I get any notification when it is my year to pump my tank(s)?  Yes, when it is your year to pump, the township will send out a postcard as a reminder to you to have your tank pump by the end of that year.

My pumper says I need some repairs done to my system. Can he go ahead and do the work?  It depends on the type of repairs needed. Routine maintenance, replacement of baffles, installation of extensions (risers) or snaking the lines can be done by the pumper or a plumber without a sewage permit. State law requires sewage permits be issued by the Township’s SEO for any alteration of the system or its use. This would include the replacement or installation of additional septic tanks, repair of delivery lines, or replacement of a drain field.  If you have any questions, please contact the Township’s Sewage Enforcement officer, Ethan Poe at (717) 993-5031, or the Alternate SEO, Robert Whitmore at (717) 560-9041. 

This program seems pretty simple, but whom do I call if I have a question?  For answers to general questions about the program, call the Township Office at 244-6813, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you have specific or technical questions about your on-lot sewage disposal system, or concerns about a possible sewage malfunction you should contact the Township’s SEO Ethan Poe, at (717) 993-5031 or the Alternate SEO Robert Whitmore, at (717) 332-1525.

·        A full copy of the publication “Septic Tank Pumping” may be obtained at the Township Community Center.

LIST OF LICENSED PUMPERS/HAULERS 

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The Lower Windsor Township Board of Supervisors provides this list of licensed pumpers/haulers solely to inform residents of those persons or firms who have been licensed to perform their services within Lower Windsor Township.  Licensing is simply designed to ensure that there will be proper disposal by the licensee of the pumped effluent under the provisions of Ordinance 2001-02. The providing of this list does not constitute an endorsement of any pumper/hauler on the list, nor does it constitute a warranty or certification of services to be provided or fees charged. These matters are to be determined by the resident and the pumper/hauler chosen by the resident. 

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   SUSQUEHANNA SENIOR CENTER
2427 Craley Road
Wrightsville, PA 17368
(717) 244-0340

Mary Caldwell, President
Kim Pricthard, Director

 
 
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BRUSH DROP OFF


Residents of Lower Windsor Township along with the Boroughs of East Prospect and Yorkana may bring brush, small branches and Christmas trees to the drop-off site located to the rear of the Lower Windsor Township Maintenance Building, 111 Walnut Valley Ct., Wrightsville, PA 17368.
New Brush Drop Off Hours – 2^nd Saturday of each month from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. Only

This brush is then chipped and available, free of charge, to residents of the municipalities, on a first come first serve basis while the supply is available. Residents should contact the township office to arrange for delivery. Also, each year, during the first week of January, a curbside pick-up of Christmas trees will be conducted.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING:

Stumps

Roots

Grass clippings
 

 * We NOW accept branches larger than 12 inches in diameter and we NOW accept leaves *

**This chipper is not available for rental purposes, only for resident drop off.

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