Woodward Twp. works to correct sewer treatment issues
Trending
LOCKPORT -- Woodward Township supervisors addressed rising sewer treatments costs and the future of an aging township truck during their August meeting amongst other business.
One of the more pressing issues discussed was the township's sewer system and a corrective action plan being developed in response to concerns from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Eric Jacobs, a member of the township's sewer authority, said they are working with its engineer, Tom Levine, after receiving notice from DEP regarding excessive inflow into the system.
"We were basically given a nastygram that we have to reduce our flows," Jacobs said.
The problem becomes particularly noticeable during rain events, when sewer flows increase dramatically.
"When we get a rainstorm, the flows just skyrocket almost instantly," he said.
The sewer authority is already working to address infiltration through maintenance projects, including replacing manholes and sealing structures to prevent groundwater from continuing to enter the system.
However, Jacobs said additional work may be required under the corrective action plan, including removal of sump pumps from the sewer line for township residents.
Jacobs informed the supervisors that a plan to distribute an informational pamphlet with its next sewer bill asking residents to disconnect sump pumps, downspouts and other sources of clean water from the sanitary sewer system.
"We have to get it out of the sewer system," Jacobs said. "They can't take it."
Because the township sends its wastewater to Lock Haven City for treatment and pays based on the volume treated, supervisors warned that continued excessive flow could eventually affect sewer rates, noting that rates have remained unchanged since 2005.
"If we can't stop it or control it, it's going to fall on the residents," supervisor Kyle Coleman shared. "There's potentially going to have to be a sewer increase in the rates at some point.
The immediate priority, however, is reducing the excess flows before considering any rate increase.
Supervisors also spend considerable time discussing whether to continue investing in the township's 2015 truck or begin planning for its replacement.
The truck, which has approximately 40,000 miles, was recently inspected which raised concerns about significant rust on the frame and the diesel particulate filter and exhaust system.
According to the supervisors the truck has undergone several major repairs in recent years, including work on the fuel tank, oil and transmission pans and front-end components.
Supervisors questioned whether another major repair would be worthwhile given the condition of the frame.
At the same time, the township recently invested in a stainless steel bed for the truck, prompting them to consider whether that equipment could be transferred to a replacement vehicle.
"I think it'd probably be smart to do a full assessment on it, to see if it's worth trying to run it a little bit longer versus what we're going to get out of it," Coleman said.
Rather than immediately voting to replace the truck, the supervisors agreed to obtain its service records and get a second opinion on the condition of the truck at this time.
Township supervisors additionally expressed their gratitude to Terry Banfill and his wife, Carmen, for replacing flags at the Lockport Boat Launch and at the memorial near Veterans Bridge.
Supervisors said Banfill has helped maintain the flags in the township for years and regularly keeps an eye on their condition.
Banfill was also credited with helping maintain boat safety signs in the area.
In other business, supervisors discussed:
-- Accepting a request from The Salvation Army to use the boat launch for their 5th annual polar bear plunge on Nov. 7.
-- Possible acceptance of Lin Ridge Drive into the township road system after additional work was completed.
-- Disposal of outdated, non-valued police equipment. Supervisors approved allowing the police department to dispose of the equipment.