Woman organizing cleanup of Herman Road
Litter has been piling up on Herman Road for years, leading a nearby resident, herself, to finally organize a cleanup of part of the state road, scheduled for April 13.
Tara Smith, of Summit Township, said Thursday, March 14, that she approached the township supervisors about the dumping taking place near her home. The supervisors have fined residents for public nuisances, and they have discussed the possibility of having a cleanup day on Herman Road, but ran into snags and logistical issues for the latter.
About a week ago, Smith contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to apply to host a cleanup, and the agency was happy to oblige, she said.
“People are dumping and throwing garbage everywhere,” Smith said. “PennDOT was great. They were happy to help and said, ‘We have been having complaints about that area.’”
Summit Township supervisors voted at a meeting Feb. 21 to apply for a grant through Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Willie Adams, supervisor chairman, said in February that supervisors plan to use grant money to install cameras in parts of the township where dumping is prevalent, to catch and discourage litterers.
“What prompted it is there are areas that are getting dumped on,” Adams said. “What we're applying for is a grant that supplies us with cameras so we can catch people.”
Adams also said he would like to provide an opportunity for large-item disposal in the township, but people may abuse the chance and get rid of items not permitted. In addition to being unsure if electronics would be allowed to be discarded, Adams said, people may throw out items such as refrigerators, tires and paint, which could be an issue for officials.
“If someone comes at night and throws some tires in, we’d have to take them out, then we’re stuck getting rid of them,” Adams said. “I’d kind of like to do it, but I’d hate to do it and wind up with all kinds of problems.”
Smith said people who attend the cleanup in April will get supplies from PennDOT, and they will pick up litter and sort dumped items, including electronics and tires, in preparation for the department’s pick up.
“They are providing vests and garbage bags, and they are having a garbage company come pick the trash up,” Smith said. “We'll pick up garbage and put it into bags; any tires have to be separate, and any electronics have to be separate.”
Volunteers on the pick up day will focus their efforts on Herman Road, starting at 9 a.m. at W C Rasely Resellers and cleaning as far as possible on both sides of the street, Smith said. She also said there are some spots with a large amount of trash pileup, which may not be cleanable in just one day.
While a cleanup day can only help get rid of litter after it has already been dumped, Smith said she has pleaded with people of the community to say something if they see someone dumping trash in public places in Summit Township. People have been dumping trash in bulk in a field behind her home since she was born, and she hopes to someday address those piles as well.
“If people could please, please report people who dump stuff,” Smith said. “This has constantly been a problem, people coming to town and dumping. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”
Smith said PennDOT needs a head count of the people who plan to volunteer for the pick up day so the department can provide enough equipment. She said she could use more volunteers, and people interested should text her at 724-712-5966 to sign up.
Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. April 13 at W C Rasely Resellers, 115 Herman Road, for the cleanup. The rain date is April 20, according to Smith.
