Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council Meeting – November 19, 2025

The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) met on November 19, 2025, to discuss public concerns about road salt, welcome a new member, review stream sampling data, and address ongoing business including a gas leaf blower phaseout, a grass height ordinance, and plans for future lectures. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the October 15, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jillian Norris Santo (Villanova resident) expressed concern about the township’s de-icing salt usage, noting high salt levels in Darby Creek, Little Darby Creek, and Icing Creek, and asked the EAC to inform the public about the township’s plan, salt type, and quantity. She requested a clear explanation be published in the Radnor News or on the township website.

Discussion Items

• Public Salt Concerns: EAC members responded that a residential salt application guide will appear in the December Radnor News. Dan noted that Public Works Director Ricky Foster uses rock salt and salt brine, and that all roads can be salted within two hours. The EAC committed to researching township salting practices and discussing alternatives with Public Works.
• Stream Sampling Results: Bess and Dan presented October 2025 baseline stream sampling at 22 sites. Conductivity levels ranged from 700 to 1600 microsiemens/cm, well above the 500 microsiemens/cm threshold supportive of aquatic life, indicating persistent salt leaching. High levels were found near Lancaster Avenue, the Blue Route, and Radnor High School. The EAC will coordinate with Willistown Conservation Trust and Stroud Center to use the data to advocate for reduced salt application.
• Gas Leaf Blower Phaseout: Dan reported that a proposal for a seasonal partial ban on gas leaf blowers (late spring/summer) was submitted to the Board of Commissioners. Lower Merion was considering a similar ordinance that evening. The EAC will prepare a presentation for the Board of Commissioners.
• Grass Height Ordinance: Sven proposed a draft ordinance to allow naturalized landscapes (meadows) by creating a perimeter mowing requirement and a registration process. Concerns were raised about enforcement and defining “naturalized” species. The EAC will consult Willistown Conservation Trust and revisit the proposal in December.
• Charging Stations: Discussion on public EV charging stations. Carol suggested surveying public interest and exploring costs for township-owned stations. It was noted that the South Wayne parking lot may lack sufficient electrical capacity. The EAC will connect with the Vision Radner comprehensive plan team.
• New Member: Melissa Zaffin was introduced as the newest EAC member. She has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from McGill University and 15 years at Johnson & Johnson.
• Lecture Series: Future talks include “Beech Leaf Disease” (Steve Shreiner, January 21, 2026) and “The Buzz About Bees” (Mike Weilbacher, April 28, 2026). The EAC discussed moving lectures from the Township Building to Radnor Memorial Library or using Zoom only, given low in-person attendance. A hybrid approach was tentatively agreed for January, with a decision on future meetings pending.
• Municipal Energy Conservation: Updates included saving 143 gallons of gasoline through electric fleet vehicles, solar panel installation on municipal buildings, and LED upgrades. The benchmarking program may be paused due to loss of funding from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
• Seed Library: The second contribution to the Radnor Memorial Library seed library was delivered; the library had nearly run out of seeds, indicating high demand.
• Aronimink Golf Club: Nine acres were clear-cut for a temporary PGA broadcast center. The EAC noted that catchment basins were installed but nearby homes and Darby Creek remain at risk of erosion during heavy rain.
• Recycling and Waste Management: A poster for the October 25 recycling day was prepared. Lower Merion launched a pilot curbside compost program with 50 households.
• Budget: The EAC proposed a $15,000 budget for 2026. Current 2025 expenses total $5,421.50, with $1,825 remaining. Additional pending expenses of $1,396.15 were noted. Board liaison Kathy Agnew will advocate for the full request.

Key Outcomes

• The EAC will research and report on township salt reduction strategies, including calibration of salt spreaders and training videos for Public Works.
• A presentation for the Board of Commissioners on the gas leaf blower phaseout ordinance will be prepared.
• The grass height ordinance draft will be reviewed again in December after consultation with Willistown Conservation Trust.
• The January 2026 lecture will be hybrid (Zoom and in-person).
• Carol will gather further public input on EV charging stations and connect with Vision Radner.
• The EAC will continue collaborating with Lower Merion EAC and share lecture dates.
• Stream sampling data will be used in coordinated advocacy with Stroud Center and Willistown Conservation Trust.