PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health policy remains an important priority of the Board
of Commissioners, the Board of Health and the community. Lori Devlin, BA, RTT is responsible for advising the Springfield Township Board of Health and for promoting public health issues in the community.  The Health Office is responsible for inspecting and approving licenses for all eating and drinking establishments, retail food stores, public schools and public swimming pools in the township.  The Health Office provides food safety training to food handlers by conducting in service or instruction during on-site inspections.  Additionally, the office investigates complaints relating to health and sanitation, including animal bites, foreign substance in waterways, insect and rodent infestation and unhealthy or unsanitary conditions in public facilities or private residences.

Because the serious threat of rabies persists in the Township, residents are advised to make sure their pets are vaccinated regularly and to avoid unnecessary contact with wild animals.  To this end, the Board of Health sponsors a free rabies vaccination clinic annually.  This is a free service to animal owners who reside in Springfield.   Springfield Animal Hospital provides the services in late October.

If your pet bites or attacks someone, or you have been bitten or attacked by an animal you must contact the Springfield Township Police and the Springfield Township Health Department.  All victims of animal bites should be examined and if necessary, treated by a physician.  All animals involved in biting incidents must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours after the bite occurs.  This procedure is required regardless of the vaccination status of the animal.  If the animal is in satisfactory health, the veterinarian will issue a health certificate.  A copy of this certificate must be submitted to the Township Health Officer and the Police Desk at the Township Building, 50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA.

The animal must be confined for (10) days following the bite then returned to the veterinarian for a second examination.  A copy of the second health certificate must also be submitted to the Township.  The health certificate should be submitted as soon as they are received.  Do not wait for the second certificate before you send in the first certificate.

The animal may not be outside unattended and must be leashed at all times.  Failure to comply with above instructions may result in the removal of your animal and/or fines up to $300 plus court costs. 

Effective January 2008, Springfield Township is working with Delaware County Animal Control to handle all domestic and wildlife issues throughout the township.  Delaware County Animal Control will be responsible for capturing and impounding licensed/unlicensed, stray, or unhealthy animals.  Delaware County Animal Control is responsible for removing "wildlife" dangerous and or diseased, living or dead from "outside" private residences, private streets or public highways in the township.  These would include foxes, skunk, opossum, etc.  Dead deer must be reported to the PA GAMING COMMISSION DISPATCH IN READING AT 610-926-3136 for removal.  Delaware County Animal Control can be contacted directly at 610-522-1113 or www.delawarecountyanimal.com.  Delaware County Animal Control will respond to residents that have animals found "inside" a private residence   at the owner's expense.  Every effort will be made to respond same day or within 24 hrs.  Residents are under no obligation to utilize the services of Delaware County Animal Control.  Reports regarding dog bits or cruelty to animals should be reported to Springfield Township Police Department, 610-544-1100 and to Lori Devlin at 610-544-1300.    

Springfield Township is a leader in recycling in Pennsylvania.  This can be attributed to the conscientious effort of many of the residents of Springfield.   Every week, mixed papers and commingled materials (including glass, steel, aluminum, plastic # 1-7) are picked up at  curbside.  The containers that hold the recyclables are available, free of charge, at the Township or Public Works Buildings.  McCusker & Ogborne pick up our commingled materials.

By actively participating in the recycling program, you are helping to increase state grant money, which supports our recycling program.  On a larger scale, you are participating in an effort to improve the community in which we live.  Please continue to REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE AS MANY MATERIALS AS POSSIBLE. Thank you to all residents for your cooperation.

If you have questions about how to dispose of a particular item, please call Lori Devlin, 610.544.1300.  For other environmental inquiries, please contact The Pennsylvania Resource Council at 610-353-5199.
 

The following is a partial list of Ordinances frequently referenced by the Health Office, they all involve common sense, and more importantly, being considerate of your neighbor:

• Noise
• Nuisance
• Dog and other animal
• Food Establishments
• Swimming Pools
• Garbage, Rubbish, Recycle

 I enjoy working with the community and appreciate your feedback and suggestions on any health related issues.  If you would like to invite the Health Officer Lori Devlin to speak to your school or organization, please contact her at 610-544-1300 or email  ldevlin@springfielddelco.org.