Health - Environmental       - What's in the New Septic Code?       - What is a septic system?       - How does a septic tank work?       - How does the drainfield work?       - Who are the Registered and State Licensed Septic Sludge Removal Opeators       - How can I find out about when and where adulticiding will take place?       - What does adulticiding consist of?       - What is west nile virus (WNV)?       - What do I need to know about mosquito season?       - Are humans the only ones that can become infected with WNV?       - Can I get WNV from animals or other people?       - Want more information regarding WNV?       - I was bitten by a tick and I still have it. Where can I take it to be tested?       - What is the Fertilizer Ordinance & Do you have a list of Applicators?       - What is the latest information regarding drought in West Milford?       - What is Duet-Dual Action adulticide (pesitcide) and how is it used?       - How can I reduce my exposure to Duet-Dual-Action& Fyfanon ULV?       - What are the symptoms of exposure to Duet-Dual Action & Fyfanon ULV?       - Where can I get more information on Adulticides?       - What is Fyfanon uLV adulticide and how is it used?      Health - Nursing       - What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?       Health - Environmental           What's in the New Septic Code? Environment Health is dealing with new codes, lake sensitive properties and new technology.  The following reasons for why lake properties are so sensitive is because of 1) small lots are close together, there is standard high water table (SHWT) with slow draining soils, adjacent wells, flood hazard areas and freshwater wetlands, 2) they need special NJ DEP permits or a Flood Hazard Areas and Freshwater Wetlands approval, 3) anything within 300’ of a lake in West Milford, must seek special attention/approvals, and 4) Individual Lake Property Owner’s Associations must be contacted when there is any work near the lake communities. What’s New in the Code?  If you take down your house entirely (and this is not just for lake communities), a new septic system that meets code 100% is required.  Even if you do a major renovation, this also means you must upgrade your septic entirely to meet code.  If your septic does not meet code entirely, then a Treatment Works Approval (TWA) from the NJ DEP is required.  If your septic system was installed after 1996, the NJ DEP will make a determination if is acceptable or not. There are hardships, which include fire and flood. Effluent septic filters are required on all newly installed septic tanks. Suitable fill material is required for newly installed septic systems. Septic tank testing (hydraulic or pressure) is required for all new and existing septic and pump tanks that are installed after April 2, 2012. Advanced wastewater treatment is required if you cannot meet the 4’ Zone of Treatment requirement for any septic alteration. This is applicable to a very large portion of West Milford.   What’s New in Technology? Effluent Filters for Outlet Baffles of Septic Tanks. Eco-Pods/Septic Tech for inside Septic Tank Treatment. Peat Fiber Biofilter Wastewatetr Treatment. Drip Dispersal Systems.           What is a septic system? Wherever running water is supplied to a house or other structure, there must be a sanitary way to remove the used water. Where public or central sewage treatment works are not provided, sewage treatment becmes a do-it-yourself operation for the homeowner, who must give careful consideration to collecting, removing, treating and disposing of sewage right on the property where it originates. In other words: an "onsite"septic system. The most commons system of "on site" sewage treatment and disposal for a private home in a rural or suburban area consists of a septic tank, which provides a place for large solids to stettle and be decomposed by microorganisms, and a drainfield where fine solids are removed and accompanying bacteria are destroyed.           How does a septic tank work? A septic tank is a storage tank where sewage is digested by bacteria.  There are three levels in the tank: sludge, liquid and scum.  Sludge, the bottom layer consists of undigestible matter and heavy solids that will not float.  The top layer is a scum that contains grease and lightweight solids that float.  In between the sludge and the scum is the critically active liquid layer that contains water and dissolved materials, such as sugar, detergent and small amounts of suspended solids. Solids and scum are digested or decomposed in the tank by bactria that are active in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic bacteria). This process turns up to 50 percent of the solids and scum into liquid and gas.  The liquid is carrried out into the drainfield, and undigestible solids remain in the tank as sludge.           How does the drainfield work? Each time raw-sewage enters the septic tank, an equal amount of fluid is forced out of the tank. The fluid leaving the tank is called effluent. This effluent may still contain disease organisms. Small amounts of solid matter remaining in the effluent may also move out of the tank to the drainfield.  In the drainfield, the effluent trickles into the soil, where further digestion is carried on by bacteria,and nutrients are absorbed by the soil particles.           Who are the Registered and State Licensed Septic Sludge Removal Opeators The following is a list of Septic Sludge Removal Operators with the Township of West Milford. Only Registered Septic Sludge Removers have permits provided to them by the Health Department.  Please contact the following when you are ready to pump your system:  Anderson Septic Service - 973-728-8802 Coppola Services - 973-962-1890 Lakeland Septic Company - 973-838-0438 P& W Excavating - 973-728-1155 Earth Care - 800-428-6166 Morris Septic/Norther Ridge Ent. - 973-332-6614 Harris Sanitation - 973-697-3399 David Zuidema, Inc. - 201-445-3188 M&B Trucking - 973-838-5840 Rich Kimble & Sons - 973-664-9171 All Drains - 973-296-0004 Beachstone Septic - 973-427-1888 R&D Trucking - 973-492-5006 Accurate Waste Systems - 973-663-6600             How can I find out about when and where adulticiding will take place? Specific dates and locations are posted weekly on Passaic County's main website and also on the Health Department website at www.pcdh.org.  This information is also recorded ont he Health Department's telephone hotline at the main number: 973-881-4396.            What does adulticiding consist of? Uusually, adulticiding in Passaic County will be applying  insecticides for the control of adult mosquito populations on an area-wide basis, as needed througout Passaic County from May through October, 2012.  The insecticides to be usd will be insect growth inhibitor Altosid (active ingredient: methoprene), and/or Duet Dua-Action adulticide (active ingredients: Prallethrin, Sumithrin and piperonyl butoxide)applied by ground with truck-aan/or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) mounted ultra low volume (ULV) equipment.   All persons interested in obtaining additional information on this spray program are requested to contact Eric Green, Superintendent.at 973-305-5754.             What is west nile virus (WNV)? West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on birds that have the virus.           What do I need to know about mosquito season? The New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection (DEP) urges residents to take common sense precautions to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Once again the DEP this year will cooperate with the state Departments of Health and Senior Services, and Agriculture, as well as Rutgers University and the 21 County Mosquito Agencies.     Interested members of the public can find out from their county agency the schedules for any spraying that is performed as a last resort to control adult, flying mosquitoes.  To learn more about mosquito control visit the DEP website at: www.nj.gov/dep/mosquito.           Are humans the only ones that can become infected with WNV? No, mosquitoes infected with the virus can transmit it through a bite to birds, horses, and other mammals, (crows, squirrels, sheep, ducks and chickens).           Can I get WNV from animals or other people? No, WNV is not transmitted in this way. WNV is transmitted through a bite from an infectd mosquito.           Want more information regarding WNV? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Control (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm or www.lymenet.org.           I was bitten by a tick and I still have it. Where can I take it to be tested? TICK TESTING NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES While routine tick testing is not generally recommended, ticks can be submitted for laboratory analysis to identify their species, if alive, determine whether they carry certain disease-causing orginisms, such as those related to Lyme Disease.  Such knowledge may assist physicians in deciding how best to manage patients, who have had tick exposures.  It should be remembered, however, that prolonged tick attachment (24-48 hours) is generally required for transmission to occur.   Tick testing can also provide useful information to homeowners seeking to assess the Lyme Disease risks around their property  and whether, for instance, chemical control measures should be considered. To submit the tick to the NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services: - Place the tick in a test tube or other airtight container (eg. pill jar, film container, baby food jar) - Add a moistened piece of paper towel, paper napkin, or cotton. - If submission is not immediate, refrigerate tick until submission (no longer than 24-48 hours) - Label tick container with your name and fill out a form available at this time from the West Milford Health Dept. Mailing Information: Mail $25.00 check or money order, payable to NJ Dept.of Health and Senor Services  Specimen Receiving & Distribution Unit NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services Public Health & Environmental Labs CN 361 Trenton, NJ 08625-0361 Put "Market Street" as address if using delivery service-UPS, Fed Ex, etc. For further information call: Special Immunology Testing Unit 609-292-5819 You can mail the tick to one of several other reliable tick testing centers. Below is a list of several centers in the country. You need to contact each one regarding price, response time, and proper procedure for mailing.  Some centers can not test if alcohol is used.  Others requie it before mailing.  Other Tick Testing Centers: New Jersey Laboratories 1110 Somerset St. New Brunswick, NJ  08901  732-249-0148 1-877-TICK TEST  IgeneX Palo alto, California htttp://www.igenex.com 415-424-1191 800-832-3200 Tick Research Laboratory Kingston, Rhode Island 401-874-2547           What is the Fertilizer Ordinance & Do you have a list of Applicators?   PHOSPHOROUS FERTILIZER PROHIBITION   West Milford Township has a fertilizer application ordinance that took effect April 17, 2007 (see Code of the Township of West Milford Chapter 138: Fertilizers, Application of).  The purpose of the ordinance is to decrease the amount of phosphorous in the township waterways by limiting the use of fertilizers containing phosphorous.  “Phosphorous fertilizer” means any fertilizer that contains phosphorous expressed as P2O5 with a guaranteed analysis of greater than zero. The ordinance prohibits the following conduct: Applying phosphorous fertilizer in outdoor areas except where demonstrated to be necessary by a soils test. Depositing leaves or other vegetative material on roads or within any lake or storm water drainage system. Applying any fertilizer within ten (10) feet of any wetland or body of water, lake, stream, pond, storm drainage system or watercourse. Exceptions: Application of phosphorous fertilizer needed for the establishing of vegetation for the first time, such as after land disturbance. Application of phosphorous fertilizer needed for the re-establishing or repair of a turf area. Application of phosphorous fertilizer that delivers liquid or granular fertilizer under the soil’s surface, directly to the feeder roots. Application of phosphorous fertilizer to residential container plantings, flowerbeds, or vegetable gardens. The ordinance also requires that anyone in the business of fertilizer application within the Township to obtain a “Commercial Fertilizer License” from the West Milford Department of Health.  Violators shall be subject to a fine up to $2000.00 however; a written warning shall be issued for a first offense in the case of a property owner.     Township of West Milford                                                                                                                                                                     Department of Health                                                                                    1480 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480-1303                                                                                                                                                      (973) 728-2720       Fax:  (973) 728-2847                                                                                                                                                                    Health@westmilford.org   2010 Licensed Commercial Fertilizer Applicators updated 7/23/10     CLC Landscape Design, Inc.                      Creative Design Landscaping West Milford, LLC 58 Ringwood Avenue                               1614-O Union Valley Road, #175 Ringwood, NJ 07456                                West Milford, NJ 07480 973-839-6026                                         973-208-3000     Eco-Lawn                                                Greco Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance P.O. Box 123                                           P.O. Box 388 Butler, NJ 07405                                      Sparta, NJ 07871                                       973-476-1057                                          973-209-4306          Happy Lawns                                           Harvest Lawn Care P.O. Box 34                                             P.O. Box 643 Oak Ridge, NJ 07438                                Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 973-697-4708                                          973-569-9310     Lawn Doctor                                            Lawn Doctor 10 Park Place                                           51 Willow Street   Butler, NJ 07405                                      Washington, NJ 07882       973-492-9110                                          908-835-8700      Royal Lawns of NJ, LLC     P.O. Box 650 Flanders, NJ 07836 800-681-7955     TruGreen Lawncare                                  TruGreen LP/Service Master 118 Route 17 North                                  9 Middlebury Boulevard Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458                   Randolph, NJ 07869 201-826-8833                                      973-252-0140                   What is the latest information regarding drought in West Milford? Latest Update from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection: The drought status by the NJ Department of Environment Protection indicates no current resrictions or exemptions in our area at this time.  However, residents are strongly encouraged to conserve water. A typical resident uses about 110 gallons of water per day.  About 60% of that water is used in the bathroom.  Home management ideas to conserve water are as follows: In the bathroom: *Install a new low-flow toilet.  New units give a complete flush with only 1 1/2 gallons per flush.  *Repair leaky faucets and toilets. *Flush toilets less often.  In many cases, the toilet can be used several times for liquid waste before flushing. *Take showers, instead of tub baths.  Showers use less water then tubs (about 5 gallons per inch per tub). *Take shorter showers. *Install low-flush shower heads, hand held showers with pause-control, and temperature balance valve controls. *Shut off water in the shower whle lathering and shampooing. *Shut off water while shaving and brushing teeth (save up to 5 gallons per minute). In the Kitchen: *Install low-faucets. *Repair leaky faucets. *Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running water. *When using drinking water treatment devices, be sure there is a shut-off valve, so the system does not run continuously when the reservoir is full. In the Laundry and utility room: *Select a front-loading washing machine that uses 40% less water. *Wash only full loads. Adjust load level settings for small loads. *Recharge the water softener as infrequently as possible to reduce water use. More information can be found at www.njdrought.org or by calling the NJ Drought Hotline: 1-800-448-4-ITS DRY (1-800-448-7379).           What is Duet-Dual Action adulticide (pesitcide) and how is it used? Passaic County Mosquito Control March 30, 2012 Duet Dual-Action contains two pesticides called Prallethrin and Sumithrin, and a synergistic compound called piperonyl butoxide which increases the effectiveness of the pesticides.  Prallethrin and Sumithrin are members of a category of pesticides called pyrethroids, which in turn are synthetic versions of pesticides produced by plants called pyrethrins. Pyrethroid/piperonyl butoxide mixtures have been recommended for Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) mosquito control in New Jersey by Rutgers, the State Universityof New Jersey.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) current evaluation considers pyrethroid-containing products to be slightly toxic with minimal potential risk to people when used properly as part of an integrated mosquito control program.   The pyrethroid-containing product is used for the control of adult mosquitoes.  While habitat management and measures to control immature mosquitoes in water are preferred and most used, the spraying of adult mosquitoes is called for when biting populations reach critical levels or when a disease organism is present in adult mosquitoes.  A very fine mist is sprayed into the air since flying mosquitoes must directly contact the pesticide in order for it to be effective.  The combination of the two pesticides has been shown to produce what the manufacturer calls "benign agitation".  In other words mosquitoes are agitated form a resting state to a non-biting flying state where they are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure.  This makes Duet-Action adulticide more effective against hard-to-control species like Aedes albopictus which typically rest during the evening hours when adulticiding usually takes place.            How can I reduce my exposure to Duet-Dual-Action& Fyfanon ULV? March 30, 2012 Because of the very small amounts of active ingredients released per acre, the risk to the general public from the use of pyrethroid-containing products is minimal. Avoiding exposure is always the safest course of action. Any possible exposure risk can be reduced by following some common sense actions:  *  Pay attention to notices about spraying found through newspapers, websites, automated telephone messages or distributed by municipal, county or state agencies. *   Plan your activities to limit time spent outside during times of possible pesticide treatments.  *   Move your pets, their food, and water dishes inside during ULV application.  Also bring clothing and children's toys inside.  *Stay away from applicaiton equipment, whether in use or not. *Whenever possible, remian indoors with windows closed and with window air conditioners on non-vent (closed ot the outside air) and window fans turned off during spraying.  *Avoid direct contact with surfaces that are still wet from pesticide spraying. Do not allow children to play in areas that have been sprayed until they have completely dried (approximately one hour).  *If you must remain outdooors, avoid your eye and skin contact with the spray.  If you get spray in your eyes or on your skin, immediately flush and rinse with water.            What are the symptoms of exposure to Duet-Dual Action & Fyfanon ULV? March 30, 2012 Symptoms of over-exposure can include irritation ot skin and eyes, respiratory and nasal irritation, irritability to sound or touch, abnormal facial sensation, sensation of prickling, tingling or creeping of skin, numbness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, excessive salivation, and fatigue.  The chance of experiencing these symptoms of over-exposure with proper use is low. You should contact your physician, other medical providers, or the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) at 1-800-222-1222 if you experience these symptoms following a pesiticide spraying. Pyrethroids have a soil half-life of 12 days. They have an extremely low pesticide movement rating because they bind tightly to the soil. Pyrethroids are unstable in light and air.  They rapidly degrade in sunlight at the soil surface and in water.  Piperonyl butoxide has a soil half-life of approx. 4 days. The Malathion-containing spreay stays in the the air fora short time until it lands on surfaces. Malathion has a low persistence and breaks down in water and soil within 1 to 25 days.  Malathion breaks down faster in sunlight.           Where can I get more information on Adulticides? The following are resources for more information regarding Adulticide and mosquito control; Overall pesticide specific information - National Pesticide Information Center - 800-858-7378 ((:30 am to 7:30 pm) Health information and possible exposure - New Jersey Poison & Education System (24 hrs.) - 800-222-1222 Pesticide regulation and misuse complaints - 609-984-6568 NJ DEP Pesticide Control Program USEPA - 732-321-6768 Pesiticide regulation: 732-321-4461 Passaic County Dept. of Health Recommendations - 732-932-9774 Rutgers University, Dept. of Entomology Local Mosquito Control - 973-305-5754 Passaic Cty Mosquito Control (7:00 am to 3:30 pm) State Wide Control Information - 609-292-3649 NJ DEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination           What is Fyfanon uLV adulticide and how is it used? It is an insecticide product that is recommended for Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) mosquito control in New Jersey by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.  It contains a pesticide called malathion.  The US EPA curent evaluation considers this malathion-containing product to be slightly toxic with minimal potential risk to people when used properly as part of an integrated mosquiot control program.  This malathion-containing product is used for the control of adult mosquitoes.  While habitat managment and measures to control immature mosquitoes in water are preferred and most used, the spraying of adult mosquitoes is called for when biting populations reach critical levels or when a disease organism is present in adult mosquitoes.  A very fine mist is sprayed into the air since flying mosquitoes must directly contact the pesticide in order for it to be effective.       Health - Nursing           What's In Your Medicine Cabinet? What’s in your Medicine Cabinet?  Prescription drug abuse can happen right at home.  Teens are more likely to have abused prescription medications such as Vicodyn, Oxycntin, and Xanax than to have tried illicit drugs including cocaine and ecstasy.  It has become increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults where most children start experimenting at the age of 12. According to Steven M. Marcus, MD, Pediatrician, Medical Toxicologist and Medical Director of NJPIES, the use of OTC cough and cold preparations by adolescents in search of a “cheap and legal high” has reached near epidemic proportions”. Dr. Marcus stated that over the past 8 years, New Jersey has experienced a steady increase in unintentional poisoning deaths. Currently, the number of deaths related to unintentional poisonings exceeds those of homicides and are quickly approaching the death rates associated with motor vehicle accidents in the state. The poison center has launched a study group charged with addressing the issues of unintentional deaths related to poisonings.  Parents, teachers, young adults and teens should educate themselves on the serious and life-threatening consequences of abusing prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Everyone should be aware that sharing your prescription with someone else could threaten his or her lives as well. Help is only a phone call away.  For more information regarding drugs of abuse, call the Poison control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Services are free and confidential.  The hotline is accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  Hearing impaired may call 973-926-8008.