Sierra Club Statement Presented to Upper Milford Township in Opposition to the Proposed Cloud Nine Pet Resort

The Leibert Creek Watershed in which the pet resort is proposed possesses a high water table and poor drainage characteristics and is already threatened by existing development. Your Township is finalizing an expensive sanitary sewer plan to protect Leibert Creek and its High Quality-Cold Water Fishery designation, and also the habitat for the endangered Bog turtle. The Township’s plans to protect the watershed are to be commended. However, allowing the pet resort where it is proposed is at odds with the prevailing and prudent Township actions.

Runoff will be far larger than the number presented by the developers (a factor of seven different, according to George DeVault’s calculations) and will contribute to environmental degradation downhill of the development. The wastewater handling system, as proposed, is designed to handle as little as one-third of the likely volume. An acre of impervious surface and the high volume of runoff will have a large and negative influence on the Leibert Creek watershed, and particularly, the immediate downhill farm of George and Melanie DeVault.

The NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit obtained for the three-home development should not be applicable to the new proposal. Since the developer plans to spray wastewater on a hillside, a Water Quality Management Permit must also be obtained. If he changes to the use of a sand mound for the wastewater disposal, then the huge sand mound is also a problem. We urge that the Township officers carefully study the situation and not hastily approve a development that is destined for eventual refusal related to denied permits after long battles and wasted energy during the permitting process.

It is particularly ironic that George and Melanie DeVault will be so hugely affected by the pet resort if it is built. Their land will be less productive and they stand to lose their organic classification. Their commitment to organic farming and agricultural land preservation is to be commended. They understand that raising high value crops and selling them locally are very powerful ways to save soils and energy and reduce air and water pollution. They see the big picture of environmental preservation and their farming practices increase the quality of life for all. Their efforts should be lauded and their concerns heeded. They are not NIMBYs. They are pioneers and excellent role models for those who aspire to lives committed to sustainable lifestyles and farming practices.

Return to Issues page
Return to top