Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)



How do I properlly care for my well?

Edgmont Township recently received a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regarding private water wells.  Seeing as many homes in the Township are on private wells for water, this information is pertinent to many of our residents.  The report indicated that 40% of the 700 wells tested throughout the state of Pennsylvania over the last two years contained excessive levels of at least one contaminant.  Some of these contaminants include coliform bacteria, lead, and nitrates.  Coliform bacteria was found in 33% of the wells tested.  While essentially harmless, coliform bacteria could signal that it might be easier for more dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli, to contaminate drinking water.  Lead was discovered in 12% of the wells tested and only 2% of the wells tested had nitrate levels above state standards.  PaDEP is recommending that homeowners on private well water have their wells tested by a state-certified laboratory.  Also, the state is recommending that wells be tested if property is disturbed for mining, new construction, other reasons.  For your convenience, a list of state-certified labs in the southeastern region has been posted on the Township’s website.  You may access it HERE.  This list is also available at the Township office and may be copied for you.  The Township encourages all residents to follow these guidelines in order to ensure the health and safety of the community.”


Who do I call about a dead deer?

Dead deer on Township roads and all State roads except Routes 3 and 352 are removed by the PA Game Commission. Dead deer on Routes 3 and 352 and are removed by PennDOT. To report a dead deer on any road within the Township, please call the Township office at 610-459-1662. Please have the street address and the nearest cross streets or landmarks available.

Who do I call about animal control?
Allen Strickler is the animal control officer for Edgmont. He handles stray dogs, cats and the enforcement of the Pennsylvania Dog Laws, as well as sick or injured wildlife. Please call the Township office at 610-459-1662 to report any stray animals or wildlife on your property who need care; after hours call the State Police at 484-840-1000; in an emergency call 911.

Rodent and insect control is
not handled by the animal control officer; please contact a pest control service.

Who provides Fire Services?
Fire services are provided by the Edgmont Township Fire Company, an organization of dedicated volunteers. If you have a fire emergency,
please call 911.

Who provides Police Services?
Police services are provided by the Pennsylvania State Police, whose barracks are on West Baltimore Pike, next to the old Franklin Mint building.
Please call 911 for a police emergency. For non-emergency situations, please call 484-840-1000.

Who do I call about snow plowing/tree branches/potholes?
If your interest involves West Chester Pike, Providence Road, Gradyville Road, Delchester Road, Middletown Road or Valley Road (south of Gradyville Road), please call PennDOT’s maintenance line at 610-566-0972 and make a report. All other calls may be directed to the Township.

How is snowplowing handled?
West Chester Pike, Providence Road, Gradyville Road, Delchester Road, Middletown Road, and Valley Road (south of Gradyville Road) are plowed by PennDOT; any concerns can be directed to their maintenance department at 610-566-0972. The salt shed is located on the municipal property at 1000 Gradyville Road, where all plowing activities originate. No plowing will generally occur unless 3” of snow has accumulated on the ground. Plowing contractors do their best to keep at least one pass open during an ongoing snow event and will return to your neighborhood after the snow stops falling to push back corners and turn-around areas. All driveways will experience some snow plow effects; there is no way to avoid that. If your mail box is broken off because it was hit by a plow, we’ll replace it. Otherwise you’ll need to fix it in order to resume mail delivery. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Township.

Who collects my trash?
Trash and recycling are collected by private haulers contracted directly with the homeowner. Bulk item pick up must be arranged directly with your trash hauler.

How do I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?
Household hazardous waste is collected several times a year by the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority. They may be contacted directly at 610-892-9627, or through the County website at
www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle for a list of disposable items and a schedule of collection dates.

When are Township meetings held?
Board of Supervisors – 3
rd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Commission – 4
th Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Zoning Hearing Board – 4
th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., as needed

All meetings are held at the Edgmont Township Building, 1000 Gradyville Road. All meeting dates and times are subject to change.

What is the millage rate in Edgmont Township?
The township millage rate is .5548. Of this, .14555 is for fire and ambulance, and .4093 is for the general fund.

What is the number to call before I dig on my property?
Call the PA One Call System at 811. Without this notification you are liable for damages you cause to utility services.

What is the Sunshine Act and where can I read it?
The Sunshine Law known as Act 84 of 1986 became effective on January 3, 1987, requiring local officials in Pennsylvania to comply with stricter open meeting requirements. All official actions and deliberations held for the purpose of making a decision must take place at a public meeting under the provisions of the Sunshine Law. In 1993 the law was amended by Act 20 to require that time be provided at each advertised regular meeting for the public (taxpayers and residents) to comment on matters before the Board. For copies or more information contact the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
www.psats.org, or phone 717-763-0930.

What do I do if I smell natural gas?
If you have an emergency involving natural gas, the PECO emergency number is 1-800-841-4141.

Are there guidelines for draining swimming pools?
As you empty your pool, be sure to pump the water over a grassy area to allow for absorption and filtration. The pH should be between 6 and 9 standard units. The water should not raise stream temperatures by more than 2 degrees per hour or a total of 5 degrees F, and never discharge pool water into storm sewers or directly into Township waters. Questions on pool guidelines should be directed to PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Southeast Regional Office, Bureau of Water Management 610-832-6131, or visit their web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us .

Dog Licenses
Dog licenses are mandatory for dogs three months and older. Applications are available at the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office, or a mail in application is available at the Township Office. All dogs must be under control and must not be allowed to run at large. Dogs are personal property and owners are responsible for damages caused by their dog. For further information, please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?q=126843

Resident Complaint Form
Residents wishing to file a complaint with the Township may do so by downloading the Resident Complaint form and faxing to the Township at 610-459-3760 or forwarding by mail. All complaints will be kept confidential. Click Here to download the form.

Requests for Review or Copies of Public Records
Anyone wishing to review and/or make copies of public records can download the form and submit to the Township either by fax at 610-459-3760 or forward by mail. Click Here to download the form.

Township Meeting Room Rental
The meeting room in the Township building is available to Township residents for homeowner’s meetings and community events. Seating capacity is approximately 60 persons. A Certificate of Insurance is required. Call the Township office for additional information.

staff-9_450pix