BUFFALO TWP — Township supervisors at their Wednesday, Feb. 8, meeting heard about updates to the MS4 Stormwater Program and asked residents for input regarding stormwater.

Ken Howard, township engineer, proposed a baffle block to be placed in the center of a Buffalo Trail pond to keep sediment from flowing into drains and into the street as a part of the township’s Pollutant Reduction Plan.

Baffle blocks are multiple identical concrete or stone blocks arranged in single or several rows and orientated perpendicular to the direction of water flow that force water between and above the blocks.

Print materials were provided at the meeting to promote stormwater management practices.

“The brochure promotes that land owners understand how stormwater flows over their properties. Best management practices are encouraged, which include redirecting flows to vegetated areas for infiltration, installation of rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, or dry wells to control runoff,” Howard said.

The materials were intended to help residents understand how stormwater flows across properties and how to avoid damaging their property or neighbor’s property.

One of the documents, called “How Can I Be a Good Stormwater Neighbor?” by PennState Extension, encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with how stormwater flows on their own property.

“Ask yourself how does water enter and exit my property?” it said. “Are there areas of concentrated flow currently causing damage to your property or adjacent neighboring property?

“If so, flows can be re-directed to vegetated areas for infiltration. You can also install a rain barrel, cistern, rain garden, or dry well as needed to control roof run-off.”

Residents of Buffalo Township are urged to notify the township on input and issues regarding the MS4 Stormwater Program.

In other action, supervisors voted to hold a public hearing on changing zoning ordinances for agriculture and lot averaging at 7 p.m. April 12, and move a public hearing on Buffalo Center Associates’ request for a curative amendment to zoning map and zoning changes to 6:45 p.m. March 8.

Township manager Richard Hill was appointed to be the township’s new right-to-know officer. This role was previously held by Rhonda Swartz, who stepped down at the beginning of 2023.

Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler-Freeport Community Trail board, updated supervisors on kiosks displaying history about the trail, benches and multiple activities for children.

Ziegler said in a Monday, Feb. 6, meeting, the board elected a new secretary and two new board members.