Over 1,000 Tons of Snow Removed in South Brunswick This WInter

The constant pounding of winter weather since late December has caused numerous problems for South Brunswick Township, including the unexpected question of just what to do with all the snow.  Township officials said since January, the Public Works Department has moved over 1,000 tons of snow from township roadways and sidewalks to the recycling center at Sondek Park.  

"That recycling center can't take anymore snow," said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz.  "There's nowhere to put it all.  We just keep adding to the snow that's already been piled up there.  We can't push it anywhere else or bring if off site, so we have to continue to try and pile it up as much as we can."

Schmalz added that some communities have received permission to dump all the removed snow into rivers, but in South Brunswick that isn't an option.  Even with all the snow that has been removed, work is still ongoing in town.  Not counting the approximately two feet of snow from the December blizzard, the township has received nearly 40 inches of snow in 2011 from 9 different storms.

"We're still working on intersections trying to bring down the mounds of snow that are causing view obstructions," Schmalz said.  "We also have to take care of 8 New Jersey Transit bus stops on Route 27 and move the snow out of there.  Then there are 8 miles of sidewalks throughout the township."

Because DPW was down from its full compliment of workers due to attrition and a few work related injuries, the department only had 64 workers to handle the 60 pieces of equipment in use during storms.  The workers rotate being on the job for 12-hour shifts, sometimes for over 30 straight hours.

"There's been a lot of work and our people have worked hard during these storms," Schmalz said.

He estimated the township has used approximately 600 tons of salt treating township roadways during the onslaught of storms.  At $49 per ton, the ongoing wrath of winter has eaten away at the town's snow budget.

"Budget wise we're not too bad because the town keeps money in a snow trust fund for removal," Schmalz said.  "Some years we get little snow and the money rolls over.  We had money coming into this year but it's flatlining right now. Anymore snow and we'll be in the red."

Schmalz said the township is hoping for aid money from FEMA for the Dec. 26 storm after Middlesex County was declared a disaster area.  

The township has also had the problem of dealing with snow buildup around fire hydrants.  The township asks residents with fire hydrants on their property to clear the snow in order to save firefighters time during an emergency.

"There are 2,000 fire hydrants in South Brunswick and we need residents to help us out as we try to get to them all," Schmalz said.  "They'd be helping themselves and their neighbors, so if god forbid there is a fire, the firemen don't have to dig out the hydrant before they can fight it."