NOTICE

DEP Warns that “Flushable” Wipes are NOT Flushable

The state Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsylvanians to only flush toilet paper and human waste into septic and sewer systems. All other non-flushable items, including disinfecting wipes, should be disposed of in the trash.

Sewage treatment facilities have been seeing an increase in non-flushable materials clogging filters and equipment during the stay-at-home order. Tissues, paper towels, and single-use wipes, including cleansing and diaper wipes, cannot be safely flushed even if labeled as “flushable” or “biodegradable.” Other items that should never be flushed include diapers, feminine hygiene products, disposable toilet brushes, disposable gloves, cotton swabs, dental floss, and litter. Food scraps, grease, fat, and oil should also be disposed of in the trash.

These items do not break down when flushed and can clog septic and sewer systems. Many blockages occur between homes or businesses and the sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for correcting and paying for the repair.

Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services has created a dedicated website for COVID-19.  This website will provide the public with real-time information in the areas of public facing businesses, extended care facilities, schools, and faith-based organizations as a start.  The website will utilize the LCDES Helpdesk Ticket System which will be vetted through our department.  It is our hope that this website will provide the public with pertinent and timely information moving forward.

The link to the website is: http://covid19.lcdes.org/ 

From the Department of Agriculture website:

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. In 2014 it was found in Pennsylvania, and has since spread to 14 counties which are now quarantined. Lebanon County is within the quarantine zone.  If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, it's imperative to immediately report it online or via phone by calling 1-888-4BADFLY.  Especially if you are not inside the quarantine zone.

What else? Kill it! Squash it, smash it...just get rid of it. In the fall, these bugs will lay egg masses with 30-50 eggs each. These are called bad bugs for a reason.  

Why?

The Spotted Lanternfly causes serious damage in trees including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and tree dieback. In addition to tree damage, when spotted lanternflies feed, they excrete a sugary substance, called honeydew, that encourages the growth of black sooty mold. This mold is harmless to people, however it causes damage to plants. In counties infested and quarantined for Spotted Lanternfly, residents report hundreds of these bad bugs that affect their quality of life and ability to enjoy the outdoors during the spring and summer months. Spotted Lanternflies will cover trees, swarm in the air, and their honeydew can coat decks and play equipment.

In addition to damaging trees and affecting quality of life, the Spotted Lanternfly is a huge threat to Pennsylvania agriculture industry. They threaten billions of economic impact and hundreds of thousands of jobs for those in the grapes, apple, hops, and hardwood industries. 

Identification

The Spotted Lanternfly adult is approximately 1" long and 1/2" wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.

 Spotted Lanternfly Egg Cluster

 Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly - Full Wing Exposed