Wood chip smokers survived the chopping block in Hanover Township June 4, when the Lehigh County borough council agreed to permit their use in outdoor cooking.

Wood chip smokers are not directly regulated by the Environmental Protection Act or other federal agencies, but the wood burning devices they are used with smokers like wood burning stoves, cookstoves, or outdoor furnaces are subject to EPA emission standards. The EPA regulations aim to reduce emissions of particulate matter and other pollutants from burning wood.

It was said that the Fire Marshal responding to complaints about outside fires requested an evaluation be completed for fire safety. It was noted that smokers do not cook food. They are covered and the smoke emanating from the smoker is limited and is expected to not be bothersome to neighbors.

Council said this is not about cooking devices and not about fire pits. Council wants the ordinance to clearly state that the ordinance covers gas, electric, and charcoal fuel only. The issue is a device to enhance smoking, not cooking.

Council Chair Bruce Paulus said plainly that residents need to be able to read and understand the ordinance without deep explanation. Township Solicitor Jason Ulrich noted the council requested language can be added to the ordinance. Council tabled the bill until next council meeting.

Resolution No. 2025-32 was council approved a contract in the amount of $251,825. to T. Schiefer Contractors of Doylestown, PA for the Lloyd Street mill and overlay.

T. Schiefer Contractors Inc. is a family owned business as experts and specialize in paving, concrete and excavation. Shiefer touts, “No job is too big for our experienced crew.” For more information about T. Schiefer Contractors, visit t-schiefer.com

Council approved the Kline’s Island Sewer System Act 537 which is a regional sewer system plan by 15 municipalities including Hanleco to address current and future sewage disposal needs was approved by council. It was explained the Act requires minimal involvement for Hanleco.

An ordinance was council introduced authorizing a loan in the amount of $510,000 from Lehigh County for the purchase of emergency response radios and related equipment for the use by the Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Company and Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services.

In her report, Township Manager Melissa Wehr said the first date of the Summer Movie Series will be June 27. Visit the township website hanleco.org for details.

Council approved the bills for June 4 in the amount of $2,085,419. Wehr explained to Paulus after his request for the reason for the high amount of bills was because the number includes funding for capital projects undertaken by the township.