LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SPECIAL MEETING-LIMEPORT SEWER
THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2007
MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Engineers Cheryleen Strothers and Bill Kee of Cowan Associates, Township Manager Ellen Koplin, Attorney Emil Kantra and approximately 36 others.
Harris opened the meeting with an introduction as Chairman of the Sewage Committee. He asked all attendees to write their name and address down on a roster.
Strothers introduced herself and her part in working on the Act 537 Plan, trying to come up with something economically and financially feasible for Lower Milford. She gave a slide presentation explaining DEP’s mandate to provide sewage to the Limeport area, comparing types of treatment and conveyance systems and reviewing potential sites considered. Copies of the presentation were made available. Kee reviewed and compared costs of some of the different types of treatment systems considered. Placement of the sewage lines and drawbacks to placing them in the street was explained. A Project Cost Summary was calculated for the Low Pressure Conveyance System with a re-circulating sand filter treatment system, which he recommended based upon cost and ease of maintenance. Operation and Maintenance costs for the system were outlined. Kee also discussed funding through PENNVEST, the individual grinder pumps, and the lateral connections.
Attorney Kantra referenced the map, showing the proposed easement locations for the low pressure lines. He explained the higher cost of placing the Sewer lines in the road or within the PENNDOT right-of-way and the need for the residents to come together and grant easements to the township, eliminating additional costs to purchase easements, driving the overall cost of the system higher.
The following questions were posed by residents with the responses:
-Which side of the alley will the lines be run?
The general route of the sewage lines are known but the specifics of placement on each property will not be exactly known until they are ready to proceed with the plan and meet with each homeowner. There are possibly unknown underground cisterns and other obstacles to avoid.
-What is the cost of connecting the grinder pump to the house?
The cost to the resident of connecting to the grinder pump would vary according to what their plumber would charge and the cost of electrical hookup.
-How many grinder pumps for a commercial property?
Only one grinder pump is necessary for commercial properties.
-Will the line impact wells or drinking water source?
There was concern that piping would run close to wells. There is no chance of contamination since it is a closed system with no leakage. Wells will be located during final design. A spring water supply which is serving 5 homes should not be impacted.
-How much area of the yards will be needed?
The impact on the property is a 24” green cap atop an underground pipe which will be installed with a trencher.
-A question was asked concerning the number of EDUs.
System is designed for 109 units, 31 for expanded users and vacant lots.
-How many EDUs established for the former dairy property
Three (3) EDUs listed.
The initial costs to residents are approximately $5000 for hook-up plus $800/EDU/yr payable per quarter.
Old septic tanks will need to be emptied and filled in.
A resident felt payment of the expenses should be extended to accommodate those on a limited budget who cannot afford to put out $5,000 at one time. The $5,000 hook-up fee is not payable until fall of 2009. The users are responsible for the expenses of the system. Alternative additional financing may be available by the time of completion.
Daily meter records from the Fire Company would be necessary to justify the amount of EDUs assigned.
The life expectancy of the system is 30 plus years.
Residents with a current malfunctioning system will not be penalized. If a situation should arise, prior to project completion, the township will work with the resident to come up with an interim solution.
A question was asked why the whole township isn’t paying for the Limeport system. Solicitor Kantra explained that state law requires the beneficiaries of the system to fund it. To petition the state for more funding, the residents were encouraged to write Senator Wonderling individually.
From the house to and including the grinder pump is the responsibility of the property owner.
Harris announced a Public Hearing for Act 537 on July 17, 2007.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 pm.