What' s Inside ...

Rain Barrels   Rain Gardens  On-Lot Septic Care Recycling (non-SCCD program)

 

This web page has information that can help homeowners conserve water that would normally not be used. Also, for those who live in rural areas not connected to a sewer line, we have information regarding on-lot septic care.

 

 

A rain barrel is a rainwater collection system that stores rooftop water for activities such as lawn and garden watering, car washing and even window cleaning. Your plants will love it.  

Rain barrels provide rainwater that has no added chemicals. In-town residents that use public water can save on their water bill. A 2,100 square foot roof produces 1,260 gallons of water per 1 inch storm!

 

Rain barrels provide free water without stressing the water supply. They also help promote infiltration of water into the groundwater that would otherwise be lost to stormwater runoff, water that is shed from impervious surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and rooftops.

 

SCCD & Rain Barrels

 

The Snyder County Conservation District has hosted 21 rain barrel workshops since May 2009. Workshops have been held in Middleburg, Penns Creek and Laurelton, PA Almost 400 rain barrels were given out during these workshops.

 

These workshops have been funded either in part by a PA Department of Environmental Protection educational grant or by a Water Resources Education Network (WREN) Opportunity Grant. WREN is a program of the League of Women Voters of PA's Citizen Education Fund.

 

Go to our Conservation Snapshots web page for pictures and additional information about our August 2010 rain barrel workshops sponsored by the Lower Penns Creek Watershed Association.

 

NOTICE!   If you want to be placed on a list for potential future workshops, please call or email us.   Phone: 570-837-3000, x110 Email: sccd@ptd.net

 

{Rain Barrel being used.}

{Rain Barrel Painted by Owners}

 

When Ceil and Mike Kirby signed up for one of the local Rain Barrel Workshop at the Snyder County Conservation District, they may not have known what they were getting into.

 

As it turns out they left the workshop learning of the environmental benefits of using a rain barrel and a lot of work to do. The Kirbys of Middleburg, PA, were not content with the barrel’s looks. As you can see on the photos above, they did quite a job in transforming it into an interesting and useful piece of their landscaping.

 

 

A rain garden is a type of garden which takes advantage of rainfall and stormwater in its design and plant selection.

 

Rather than a raised garden (such as raised earthen beds), the structure is shaped like a bowl which will collect the water. It is designed to withstand the extremes of moisture and the concentrations of nutrients.

 

On the surface it looks like an attractive garden and serves as a habitat for birds and butterflies. Below the surface it is planted in a way that stormwater is cleaned and reduced in volume.

 

{Rain Garden Diagram}

 

In May 2010, the Lower Penns Creek Watershed Association planted three rain gardens at the New Berlin Recreation Association Ballfields. These gardens will decrease the erosion of the sections of the fields where they will be planted and decrease silt runoff. The gardens will also serve to filter and control rainwater runoff before it flows into Penns Creek.

 

These gardens will also serve as an educational tool – with signs explaining how the concept works and its conservation benefits. Go to our Conservation Snapshots web page for pictures and additional information.

 

{Rain garden flower}

{Rain garden flower}

  

If you have an interest in this project, contact Jason Winey, SCCD Watershed Specialist, at 570-837-3000, x112. Another demonstration rain garden has been planted next to the SCCD office at 10541 Route 522, Middleburg, PA with funds through a Chesapeake Bay Program Special Project grant.

 

On-Lot Septic Care

 

Roughly 50% of Snyder County residents own an on-lot wastewater treatment system (more commonly known as a septic system). Are you one of them?

Many people don’t know where their septic system is located, how the system works or how to maintain that system. When septic systems go bad, groundwater may become polluted.

 

A properly functioning septic system not only keeps pathogens and nutrients out of surface and groundwater supplies but spares homeowners from very expensive repairs or replacement costs.

 

In the summer of 2008, the Snyder County Conservation District offered a cost share program in which it helps pays eligible landowners one non-emergency septic pumpout. Interested persons had to attend a Conservation District workshop before applying.

 

At least ninety people attended five workshops in July and August 2008. Fifty-six applied for the cost share program. After discussions from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Conservation District Board of Directors, the Conservation District was able to secure funds and approve all 56 applications. The Conservation District cost shared  a maximum $100.00 of the cost of a pumpout for those applicants who sign a contract.

 

When the program ended on June 2009, 48 out of 56 eligible homeowners had their septic tank pumpouts cost shared under this program.

 

Although the cost-share program is no longer offered, you can contact the Conservation District at 570-837-3000, about how to properly maintain an on-lot septic system. You can also click here for a publication regarding maintenance printed by the Snyder County Conservation District and originally produced by the Fulton County Conservation District.

 

 

Recycling within Snyder County, PA is handled through the Snyder County Solid Waste Management Authority. For more information, contact Debbie Wolf, Recycling Coordinator or go directly to the Authority's web pages.