Township approves drainage project for August Lane

WANTAGE — With no shortage of opinions as to what’s causing a ponding and mosquito problem on August Lane, the Wantage Township Committee has approved plans to fund a project to correct the situation, albeit with a caveat. Residents of August Lane first complained to township officials about a swampy area that had developed there in late May. The ponding that occurred there led to a mosquito infestation that became so bad, some area residents claimed they couldn’t stay outdoors for any extended period of time. After examining the property, Wantage Township Engineer Harold Pellow recommended that the town construct an inlet designed to divert the water downhill from the ponding area to a drainage system about 300 feet away. Before the Township Committee voted to approve funding for the $5,300 project, Wantage Township Committeeperson Clara Nuss recommended that the town first obtain a wetlands permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, since the property borders a wetlands area. Some August Lane residents have complained that a leaky well cap from an abandoned property next door is exacerbating the ponding problem. Since no one is currently living in the house next door, there’s also no way to draw down the well and that may also be contributing to the swampy conditions, said Township Administrator Jim Doherty. He added that it’s not clear who has the title to the property. The previous occupants left sometime in June. Once Wantage Township has obtained a wetlands permit from NJ DEP, it should take the town’s Department of Public Works three or four days to complete the project, said Doherty.