Coplay's Public Works Department has been recognized for its solid work on removing snow and ice, which has piled up on streets and alleys due to recent snow storms.

Residents acknowledge the challenge borough employees face as they plow the one-square-mile radius borough.

Residents, however, have lodged complaints due to the snow plow dumping snow on to their pavements or driveways.

The one rule of thumb, borough officials say, is to wait until the snowfall ends and snow plows complete their work. Waiting will prevent property owners from shoveling or using snow blowers to remove snow a second time.

Freezing rain turning to ice has made the job of clearing roads of snow more difficult. Alleys in some parts of town are not entirely cleared. A six man crew performs the task of snow removal. Three public works personnel who are assigned to garbage pickup two days a week and third day to collect recycled materials, also provide assistance. The two personnel assigned to streets and the supervisor later assist with snow removal after completing their primary duties.

Personnel are called out to remove snow, if it occurs overnight, by a police officer on duty monitoring snowfall and road conditions. The fire station, in front of the police station and borough building are a top priority. Other highly used areas addressed include Second, Chestnut and Hokendauaqua streets.

Like other communities, the borough's salt supply is dwindling.

"We have two loads for another snowfall," Dan Pavelko, public works supervisor said.

He said the borough thus far has gone through 150-160 tons of salt this winter, but more has been ordered. Pavelko said the salt is mixed with a pre-wetting material, magnesium chloride. The borough does not use brine before snowfalls.

Personnel assisting with clearing streets of snow include Rick Bundra, Pat Klement, Scott Weller, Roy Bigley, Bryan Burker and Pavelko.