Report on PTC Open House in Tredyffrin (1/27/09)
An Overview
At the PTC Open House Tuesday night, there were tables for attendees to register so PTC could mail updates, a room with a 3-5 minute video over-viewing the expansion, and a large room full of: posters showing the plans, PTC people answering general questions, a table for people whose properties are being taken to talk with a representative, and a PTC Public Outreach poster mentioning their “Good Neighbor” policy. Many Tredyffrin residents were present as well as some local politicians. (Senator Dinniman, Representative Rubley, and TT Supervisors DiBuonaventuro, DiFilippo, Kampf, and Lamina)
The Homes Affected
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will take 9 Tredyffrin family homes, and portions of 97 Tredyffrin family properties. For a grand total of 106 Tredyffrin family homes and properties affected. Homes being taken are on Yellow Springs Rd., Morgan Lane, Colonel DeWees Rd., a hole or two at Glenhardie Country Club, and Red Coat Lane, and will be used for retention basins. The properties being partially taken run along the same corridor.
The Retention Basins
According to a representative aerial photos were taken of the area and topographical maps were developed from the information. Water is directed to a central location for treatment which includes: rate control and volume control.
The basins are lined, and will hold storm water to control its rate and volume before it reaches its next destination. The PTC surrounds their basins with 10-foot high chain-link fencing. Basins will hold some level of water 50% of the time. Representatives were vague about the amount of water, but they anticipate water in them from 3-14 days after a storm. A large portion of the basin is designed to encourage evaporation.
A resident concerned about standing water, mosquitoes and West Nile virus inquired about the standing water, and how the PTC planned to reduce it. The PTC representative indicated that the basins would hold water only 50% of the time, and that they would be wet mostly in the winter. The PTC stated that the summer months would be the driest, vegetation would be used to help evaporate the water, and that the vegetation would also encourage mosquito predators to the area.
Our Green Hills neighborhood has two retention basins which are unlined, they rarely have water in them except after a big storm, and then by 2-3 days later, they’re empty. Why has the PTC decided to line these basins?
The Department of Environmental Protection has the right to deny approval of the project. A thirty-day public comment period will follow the PTC’s application for permits. To date, The PTC has not applied for permits. PTC first seeks public comment on the designs. Citizens may contact the DEP independently about this issue. The PTC indicated that all state representatives have seen the plans. They mentioned specifically: Dinniman, Briggs, Drucker, Leach, and Rafferty.
PTC also needs approval from Tredyffrin Township regarding sound barriers and storm water runoff.
Are Concrete Barriers Sound Absorptive?
The representative says “yes.” The core of the barrier is made of concrete, and is covered by a secondary surface made of wood chips which provide sound absorption.
A Pen in The Woods 