COMMUNITY INFO haler
COMMUNITY INFO haler
TOWNSHIP OF SHALER NEWS
HELP PREVENT CREEK FLOODING
Over the years, the Township has experienced severe flooding in areas along various streams in the Township. We often hear the suggestion to“ dredge the streams” after we have a flooding incident. It’ s often assumed that dredging is a property solution to prevent flooding and that cutting down trees along waterways would alleviate the problem. The truth is that neither of these activities commonly prevent flooding and they can actually make flooding worse.
DREDGING
Dredging is the act of removing gravel, sand, mud or other sediment from the bed of a waterway. However, stream sediment occurs naturally, and if it is simply removed, the stream eventually will return to its original natural state. Dredging is complicated and expensive and should occur only with an engineered plan that includes measures to eliminate or control the sediment source. Usually dredging is not the answer because sediment buildup isn’ t the main problem. The bigger issue tends to be debris, such as trees and manmade items, that make their way into the stream and cause the water to backup. Debris, compounded by unusual rainfall, is a recipe for flooding.
MOWING Mowing right up to the edge of a stream bed is never a good idea. Grass has very shallow roots and does not hold the stream bank together. To remain stable, creeks need woody vegetation on their banks. These root systems reach down into the soil and hold the stream bank together helping prevent earth from eroding into the creek. Dead trees and vegetation can be removed carefully and taken away so they don’ t fall into the waterway and cause blockage downstream, but live trees should remain. In 2024, the Township spent $ 15,484 to remove trees that had fallen into the stream beds in an effort to prevent flooding.
10 SHALER AREA
PREVENTING FLOODS
Property owners can take these simple actions to help prevent and reduce flooding:
• Do not store things like building materials, yard toys / trampolines, firewood or household objects near waterways because these items could wash into streams during heavy rain blocking water flow.
• Never deposit yard waste, such as grass clippings or dead trees, into waterways or onto the edge of a stream bank.
• Carefully remove and haul away dead trees or brush found near waterways.
• Report debris deposits at culverts and bridges. Don’ t try to remove them yourself. Questions about stream bank stabilization? Contact the Township Office at( 412) 486-9700.
WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE
The Township would like to bring the following items to your attention.
Township Right of Way – Removal of Structures: As the Township Public Works Department prepares for winter road maintenance, please remove all basketball hoops and other obstructions or structures within 10 feet of the edge of the paved portion of the public street or highway in the Township.
Chapter 225-107 of the Township Zoning Code states that it is illegal to place any structure within 10 feet of the edge of the paved portion of any public street or highway in the Township.
If these obstructions or structures are not removed from the public rightof-way, the Township will not be responsible for any damage sustained to the structure as a result of snow removal in that area.
Snow Removal on Roads: Please assist the Public Works Department during the winter months and snow removal by following the suggestions below:
• Whenever possible, please park in your driveway and not on the street during a winter storm. This will help the drivers on their snow routes.
• Do not blow or shovel snow on the street after it’ s been cleared. This is a violation of Township Code Chapter 192, Article II, and carries a fine of $ 600.00.
• Monitor winter storm tracking through the media, plan accordingly and try to avoid unnecessary travel during these storms.
• Unless you have an emergency, please do not call the Township office to report that your street has not been cleared. Rest assured, if it’ s snowing, we’ re working.
In addition to Township streets, our crews are responsible for all county and state roads with the exception of Route 8, Babcock Blvd, Saxonburg Blvd, and Sharpshill Road. Streets are prioritized according to high traffic, public transportation and school bus routes first.