New recycling regulations for next year

Recycling changes loom for Mt. Lebanon, other South Hills Communities

Starting next year, Mt. Lebanon residents will be unable to throw glass and select types of plastic into their recycling bins. 

We will only be able to recycle plastics numbered 1 and 2. No glass bottles or jars will be accepted.  The article states that we can recycle cardboard. That is not entirely true. We cannot recycle pizza boxes because of the grease. I wonder about the grease in boxes containing cheese sticks, fries, or any other take out food. I think they are discriminating against pizza lovers. I'm offended.

We better not be hit with Pay as You Throw next. My recycling can is usually quite filled with glass jars and bottles. I have tried to be more mindful about recycling and now it is going to blow up in our faces. With our super duper Public Works that has gone waaaaaaaaaaay over budget and is behind six months, maybe we can have our own glass recycling program since we will have the space for it.

I'm still not over the stormwater fee. Mt. Lebanon started charging us a stormwater fee starting in 2011, so that they could control stormwater runoff in areas prone to flooding. Yeah, that's working well. Maybe we will hear more about how that million dollars a year collected every year in fees, in the September issue of mtl Magazine. We will get to see all the flood photos collected of this past June.

Western Pa. towns eye fees to control stormwater runoff

“During the past two years, I have been asked to speak at three different professional conferences on this subject and Mt. Lebanon's program,” said Mt. Lebanon municipal Manager Steve Feller. “Because of the stormwater fee, Mt. Lebanon has had the resources to initiate numerous projects to maintain and enhance the existing system and also expand the system to areas deficient of storm sewer infrastructure.”
Since Mt. Lebanon adopted the program, which raises about $1 million a year, Dormont, Whitehall and Scott have weighed potential fees, Feller said.

The bottom line is that we are paying for deficient storm sewer infrastructure while flooding is worse than ever and next we will hear that we have to pay more as we try to be green.

More help for Bridgeville flood victims

Please help our neighbors in need UPDATED 6/27/18

The flood from last week hit home. The woman who was swept away by flood waters was a friend of the family. The kind women from Upper St. Clair have gotten together to help out the Abbott family, offering to do errands and cook meals. Restaurants are offering free meals to flood victims.

An update from Bridgeville Manager was posted on the Bridgeville Police Department Facebook page.

I reached out to the Bridgeville police department and got this response. "First United Methodist Church in Bridgeville is the central point for donations other than food (which would go to Bethany Presby). We also have people going directly to the major affected areas of Baldwin St, McLaughlin Run Rd, Railroad St and Maple St and Laurel St. Thanks again. Every bit is appreciated."

What is Mt. Lebanon doing? Mt. Lebanon Magazine is asking for help. They want photos of flood damage. Why should I expect anything else?

Update June 26, 2018 8:40 AM 

Bridgeville Police Department is feeling strong.

24 mins ·

🔴Important Flood Information:

🔴Attention motorists. Bower Hill Road is open!! Flood cleanup continues in the Borough. Please drive safely, be aware of your surroundings and obey the “Road Closed” signs!!

🔴 Flood victims needing furniture, Holy Child Church (gymnasium) is fully stocked with donated items. They are open 9 AM to 4 PM all week. I understand there still a lot of cleanup that needs to be done. If you need a place to store your items, furniture, etc. please see the attached photo for “beyond self storage”.

🔴 First Methodist Church 9-4 m-sat
Red Cross coming today 10-3. They have cleaning supplies for flood victims!!
Needs: Cleaning supplies, Mops, Pails, Brooms, Clorox wipes, Baby wipes,Rubber gloves, Masks, Bleach, Borax,
Gift cards: Dollar store, Walmart, Aldi, Giant Eagle, Suburban Laundromat
Free wash/dry for a couple of loads - soap too.

🔴Bethany Church: Food Bank!!

🔴Vineyard Church: Clothes!!

🔴Tetanus Shots Will be provided courtesy of St. Clair Hospital on Thursday, June 28 at the Bridgeville volunteer fire department. First responders will be immunized from 12 PM until 3 PM. Residence, business owners, and volunteers will be immunized from 3 PM to 6 PM.

🔴The Pittsburgh Eyecare Associates ( Dr. Strain) is a contact should your eyeglasses need repaired or replaced. Their phone number is 412-221-0112.

🔴I want to personally thank everyone who has donated, whether it be their time, money, furniture, food, cleaning supplies, appliances, etc... it’s amazing to see the generosity of people, not only from this community but from outside communities too! I would like to give a special “shout out” to Cestus Construction Gloves as they donated $25,000.00 worth of gloves to the residents, volunteers and first responders!!

Chief King

Update June 27, 2018 9:04 AM

Is Lebo in deep doo-doo? UPDATED

Update October 8, 2014 A Lebo Citizens reader saw a promo indicating that Channel 11 or NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams is doing a story on the dangers of turf fields at either 5 or 6 p.m. today.

I never knew what a NPDES permit was until the four commissioners voted to artificially turf two fields in a flood-prone area on Cedar Blvd. For those unaware of this permit, it stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. According to The NPDES Permit System website, the Federal Clean Water Act and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams law requires wastewater dischargers to have a permit establishing pollution limits, and specifying monitoring and reporting requirements. A Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Report, which deals with erosion and sedimentation, must also be filed with the Allegheny County Conservation District when submitting a NPDES application. Thinking about the new swimming pool, I emailed Steve Feller and asked him about the NPDES permit and PCSM Report for that project. Through a Right To Know, here is his response. "There is no PCSM report for the Swim Center as the disturbed area was less than an acre."

The Mt. Lebanon Pool disturbed area totals more than 1.5 acres. See section E in the link? That section connects the pool to the fields on Cedar. 

Looking down to the field

The Shadow Knows

See 12/16/13 Update. 

• Began installation of storm water piping at the bottom of the slope

But wait. There's more.

From the Mt. Lebanon website, Mt. Lebanon installed a new gas line which went all the way to Cedar Blvd. The disturbed area for the gas line was not included in the 1.5+ acres calculation.

During Citizen Comments, I asked for a report concerning the meeting between Gateway and the DEP. There is no report, I was told. Of course there is no report, Kristen. You're not going to get one. The stormwater pipe connecting the pool to the fields was on the DEP's agenda to discuss with Gateway! Dan will never admit that he screwed up. This area was clearly marked on the bid documents that I bought. 

The DEP has already told you that you are not adequately filtering the toxic run-off. It isn't safe enough for our streams. I can't imagine what it is doing to our children. 

Insert handy comment template asking for resignations here.

	CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews)
10/1/14, 6:48 PM Today top women soccer players sued FIFA for gender discrimination over changing playing fields to artificial turf. @elainequijano explains

No PlanCon $ for Lebo UPDATED

The Pittsburgh Business Times reported that Bethel Park will receive $2.5 million in reimbursement through the PlanCon process. State hands out construction reimbursements to local school projects. No mention of Mt. Lebanon receiving any State funding for the high school renovation.

When the cost of the project came back too high, our school board elected to cut corners by considering 197 potential project cost saving reductions. The list represented approximately $14 million in potential savings. How much of this has come back to haunt us? Back on August 8, 2011, I noticed that the school board agreed to eliminate the storm water detention tanks (#17). The rain garden was nixed as well. This had a direct impact on the stormwater situation on Cedar Blvd.  After Cedar Blvd. flooded on August 3, 2014, and then again nine days later, I asked Gateway's Dan Deiseroth if the high school renovation was contributing to the flooding on Cedar. His answer was, "No." I asked Dan if he OK'ed the high school renovation plans. His answer was, "Yes." Gateway approved this cut! This is the same person who said that the fields don't flood; it is merely standing water.

Another item cut was #23 Eliminate need for pyrite remediation based on geotechnical report. We know how that ended up.

A third critical decision made by the school board was #40 Change glass rail at swimming pool to stainless steel airplane cable rail. As we know, that produced a change order. But look how it was handled.

Will we need another change order for the change order? Will we get the nuts and bolts in the next change order?

Lebo Citizens, please review the 197 potential project cost saving reductions and see if more questionable choices resulted in change orders.

Finally, readers have been wondering about the status of the Pursuant Ketchum fundraiser. We are still in the quiet phase, two years later. The September 14, 2014 Personnel Report shows that the full time director of the capital campaign will be on a leave of absence and an interim director has been hired at a daily rate of $300. The interim director's employment is late September 2014 through early January 2015. The present campaign director will be on leave starting October 8, 2014 through the beginning of January 2015.  Is the overlap in employment and buying additional fundraising software really necessary? We invested in a Feasibility Study. Or will we be chalking this up to more contentious decisions made by our school board?

Get the railing fixed!!!! It was first reported November 19, 2013!

Update September 30, 2014 9:44 AM Read the snarky reply from Dr. Steinhauer concerning the pool railing.

From: TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston
Subject: RE: Missing hardware on new pool balcony railing
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:17:21 +0000

Dear Mr. Huston,

Thank you for contacting the Board with your concerns. Installation of the revised pool railing is not complete. The lack of 2 bolts presents no structural or physical safety issue and will be installed when the project is completed. If this makes you uncomfortable, please stay away from this railing section until it is complete.

We are aware of no safety issues with construction.  

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Mt. Lebanon School District

412-344-2076

What did you do today to improve the life of a child?

Why are residents and taxpayers being treated so poorly in Mt. Lebanon? The superintendent, the school board directors, the commission, and the Public Information Office seem to think we work for them. Mt. Lebanon is a disgrace.

Attention [Cedar Blvd.Residents] Flood Victims

A new law allows property ownsers to stave off potential floods without municipal authorities. Senate Bill 1255, which passed in May, allows property owners to implement stormwater management practices to stem the flow of runoff and the debris often carried in it. Communities such as Scott Township and Upper St. Clair have recently looked to their local governments for help, but have been tied up with months-long investigations--leading any potential solution to come next summer storm season.

Stormwater law frees homeowners to build infrastructure

Why we can't keep up with the Joneses UPDATED 2X

At 8:00 this morning, Steve Feller shared the Wildcat bids summary as he promised me last night at the commission meeting. Thank you, Steve, for your promptness.

I haven't had the stomach to look at the bids summary. I am still recovering from the SAB wish list which was discussed at the end of Discussion Session Part 1. John Bendel submitted the Sports Advisory Board's #1 capital improvement recommendation which is sidewalks at the Tennis Center. OK, that's reasonable. But #10 is a larger multipurpose athletic facility to include basketball/gym in a new building separate from Wildcat/Middle Fields.

During Citizen Comments last night, a resident who is involved with Mt. Lebanon Youth Sports explained why he was against the artificial turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. We simply cannot afford it as a community. We are not as affluent as we once thought we were. According to Pittsburgh Business Times, here are the rankings of Upper St. Clair, and two zip codes in Mt. Lebanon.

The Almanac's June 18, 2014 editorial Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural suggests that "To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” As pointed out last night, we are not in Upper St. Clair's or Peters Township's league. We need to look at Bethel or Dormont.

Update June 24, 2014 12:28 PM Pittsburgh Business Times does not include Mt. Lebanon's 15216, 15234, or 15226 zip codes. They did not make the top 50 zip codes with the highest average net worth in the Pittsburgh region.

Update June 24, 2014 4:50 PM I requested a copy of the Sports Advisory Board wish list. Adding a price tag of $4,000,000 for the multi purpose athletic facility brings the SAB Capital Projects Worksheet total to over $9,000,000. This does not include the Toxic Turf Project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Or the $4,000,000 Aquatic Center. Or the High School Sports wing. Or the $74,000 trophy case. Or the future turfing of the Rock Pile. Or the High School Tennis Courts. Or the Rifle Range. Who says we hate sports?

P.S. Or the new Bocce Pools a.k.a. the Bocce Courts in the No Flood Zone

"Let Our Kids Play Even When It Rains"

Elaine (and readers): The yardsign picture was sent to me by a coworker. Apparently, over in the Arden/Virginia Manor area there are a bunch of these.

The message defies logic. "Let Our Kids Play Even When It Rains"?? HAHAHA. Yeah, because nothing says torn tendon like a wet, slick artificial surface. Brilliant.

Second, I don't know where you all grew up but when I was a kid, the only time we wanted to play any sport in the rain was under two conditions: it was a pickup game, and we were assured of getting muddy as possible (how many soccer moms will allow their mud-covered child to climb into the backseat of that nice new Lexus SUV with the beige leather interior?). But organized sports? In the rain? Hell no. So once again, it's all about the parents, not the kids.

Third, what a sick ideology. Last time there was hard rain near M/WC fields, not only did it once again flood in the non-floodplain...but there were both hail and lightning. So the message on those signs is "turf is more important to me than my child". The pro turf boys should be proud. I mean, it takes some skill to convince otherwise educated people that image counts for more than human life. I would feign shock and disbelief but at this stage, the Commission has demonstrated anything is possible...with other peoples' money...and a willful disregard for their sworn oath.

The ballfield pictures were taken at around 8:25 this evening. You'll notice the standing water. That's because the lot is paved. Same thing will happen when grass is removed and replaced with plastic and rubber. For those advocating for turf, let me explain really slowly since it seems necessary. When rain hits a natural surface, like grass or dirt, some of the water can seep deeper. There is somewhere for it to go. But when rain hits a solid surface (especially one that was obviously installed unevenly) the water can't go anywhere. K? Got it? It's science. Like second grade level stuff.

Oh, one other glaring issue with the pictures--you'll notice the electric lights and the ambient light. But guess what isn't there? Kids!... So do we really have a shortage of playing slots? Or do we just have a shortage of honesty?

I submit information and opinion to this blog since it seems to be the last bastion of open expression in our community. That said, all you keyboard commandos who like to pick on women and threaten them can save it. If my comments hurt your feelings, feel free to reach out to me. My contact info is available online. I'm happy to discuss my position on this project on the phone or in person. To date, in the last three years, one person had taken me up on the offer. Should I take that personally?

-JE Cannon III

And it never floods...UPDATED 2X

Don't miss the never-before-seen Bird Park runoff area with some serious raging rapids and a collapsing hillside.

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

Here are photos of flooding on Wildcat Field today.

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Update May29, 2014 10:12 AM Please be aware that the official Pittsburgh rainfall for Tuesday 5/27/14 (I believe from 12:01 AM - 12:00 Midnight) was only 0.02 inches, and for Wednesday, 5/28/2014 it was only 1.38 inches, or a total of only 1.40 inches according to AccuWeather.com and the Tribune-Review. This is even below the 2-Year Storm Frequency standard of 2.3 inches of rainfall in a 24 hour period.

Mt. Lebanon's SALDO Section 809.4.6 requires that Municipal stormwater sewer systems be designed to handle the peak runoff from a 25-Year storm, or 4.4 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period. Please read and become familiar with SALDO Part 8 Design Standards, Section 809 Stormwater Conveyance and Management, and Section 810 Storm Sewers and Drainage Facilities and all sub-sections. We're obviously failing to comply with our own Ordinances.

SALDO is Chapter XVI of the Mt. Lebanon Code, and has a direct link on the Public Documents page of the Municipal website. Or click here and start on page 75 of the pdf.

Update June 1, 2014 9:10 AM This was in the Trib last summer. Southmoreland tackles flood-damaged turf

Sean Stipp | Tribune-Review

Roughly one-third of the artificial turf at Russ Grimm Field at Southmoreland Senior High School was pushed into ripples by the force of flood waters.