FROM THE DPW
Remember that all property owners must maintain the limbs and branches of all trees growing along the street , sidewalk , curb , or alley ; this includes removing dead limbs and trimming trees back so that they have a clearance of 8 feet or more above the surface of the sidewalk or no less than 14 feet above the surface of the roadway .
Brentwood Borough reserves the right to trim , cut and or remove trees within the legal right of way , to the extent they overhang or encroach upon the right of way or above any borough street or alley . The Borough frequently receives calls concerning trees and requests for if Public Works can maintain or otherwise help take care of them . Unfortunately , if that tree is on private property , then the answer is no . Residents also frequently call up to ask the Borough what can be done if or when the tree or any of its limbs should fall and cause damage to people or property . If something like this should happen , then that becomes a problem to address with the neighbor who owns the tree , not with the Borough !
Remember that certain trees cannot be grown in Brentwood Borough : willow , locust , poplar , silver maple or other water-seeking trees can all disrupt water and sewage lines because their roots grow towards any available source of water . Mulberry trees are a nuisance too since they grow so rapidly — these trees can grow between 8 and 10 feet each year . Fertile varieties of mulberry trees also grow small berry-like fruits which drop off the branches in the summer and are well-known for being messy and for leaving stains on road surfaces , sidewalks , and cars .
On another note : Right of Ways . A right of way is for boroughs to install any type of utility . Residents are responsible to maintain to the backside of the curb or paved portion of the roadway . In other words , if there is an alley bordering your property , you as the resident are required to maintain any vegetation which grows in the right of way . Property owners are also responsible for bushes , brush , and other foliage up to the curb line of the road , so if you have trees or bushes outside your fence , make sure to keep those neat and tidy for everyone ’ s safety !
This info is taken from the Borough ’ s Code Chapter 197 , which can be found on our website at www . brentwoodboro . com . If you need more information , click on the “ Borough Code ” selection on the main page and take a look !
We still have our wood chipping program running for two more dates this year ! If you or a neighboring homeowner are looking at trimming a tree this autumn and need a way to dispose of the branches , our Public Works can stop by with the woodchipper to remove them . Please feel free to make an appointment with Denise Assenti by calling 412-884-1500 ext . 115 or by email at dassenti @ brentwoodboro . com . Please be advised that this program only extends to residential properties and our Public Works members will have the final say on what can and cannot be chipped .
Dates to remember for our chipping program : September 25th and November 27th
Happy Thanksgiving to all from the crew of the Public Works !
Around Brentwood
CAR WASHING POLLUTION PROTECTION
Oil , grease , salt , soap , and sediment are just a few of the pollutants that you wash off from your car .
These pollutants typically drain into the storm sewer system and are untreated when entering our waterways . Fish and other aquatic life are harmed by the harsh chemicals from detergents . The phosphates from soap can cause excess algae to grow which makes water cloudy , green , smelly , and unhealthy for recreational use and aquatic life . As the algae decays , large amounts of oxygen are consumed , leaving very little oxygen available for fish . Detergents also contain a surfactant in order for the cleaner to rinse off easily with water . Surfactants harm fish by destroying layers that protect them from bacteria and parasites , resulting in severe damage to a fish ’ s gills . Fish eggs are also killed even in low concentrations of surfactants . Lastly , detergents in the waterways allow for pesticides and phenols to be more easily absorbed by fish . So how can you help protect fish and other aquatic life ? Here are some tips for minimizing or eliminating pollution caused by washing your car :
Commercial Car Wash
• Self-serve or machine car washes are great alternatives as the water drains to the sanitary sewers where it will be treated .
• Depending on the equipment , commercial car washes can use substantially less water ( up to 60 % compared to washing at home ).
• water before draining to the sanitary sewers .
Residential Car Washing
• Washing on a gravel or grassy area will allow for the water to infiltrate into the ground instead of draining into the storm sewer system .
• If those areas are not an option , before washing your car in the driveway , sweep and dispose of any trash or debris that would be carried to the storm drain .
• Try washing without soaps , using a pressure washer typically removes all the dirt and grime from a car .
• Phosphate-free and biodegradable soaps are safer alternatives to the typical detergents used in car washing . Products from Simple Green , Eco Touch , and Chemical Guys are examples of environmentally friendly soaps .
Charity Car Washes
• Try a “ fish friendly ” car wash by using phosphate-free and biodegradable soaps .
• Control water by using a spray nozzle .
• Determine if water can be diverted to a grassy area instead of draining directly to an inlet . Using rolled up towels is an easy way to divert water .
• Check with your local municipality on options for protecting nearby inlets .
• Discuss with owners at self-serve car washes about donating their space ( s ) to use for the fundraising event . rentwood
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