NOTICES
PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY
DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Environmental Assessment Approval for PENNVESTFunding Consideration
[53 Pa.B. 3170]
[Saturday, June 10, 2023]Scope: Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Projects for consideration at the July 19, 2023, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Board meeting.
Description: PENNVEST, which administers the Commonwealth's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), is intended to be the funding source for the following projects. The Department of Environmental Protection's (Department) review of these projects, and the information received in the Environmental Report for these projects, has not identified any significant, adverse environmental impact resulting from any of the proposed projects. The Department hereby approves the Environmental Assessment for each project. If no significant comments are received during this comment period, the Environmental Assessment will be considered approved and funding for the project will be considered by PENNVEST.
To be considered, the Department must receive comments on this approval on or by Monday, July 10, 2023. Comments, including comments submitted by e-mail, must include the commentator's name and address. Commentators are encouraged to submit comments using the Department's online eComment tool at www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment. Written comments can also be submitted by e-mail to ecomment@pa.gov or by mail to the Policy Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Use ''PENNVEST SRF-Environmental Assessment'' as the subject line in written communication.
For more information about the approval of the following Environmental Assessments or the CWSRF and DWSRF Programs, contact Richard Wright, Bureau of Clean Water, Department of Environmental Protection, P.O. Box 8774, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 772-4059, riwright@pa.gov, or visit the Department's web site at www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/InfrastructureFinance/Pages/default.aspx.
Comments received during the comment period, along with the Department's comment and response document, will be available on the Department's web site at www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/InfrastructureFinance/Pages/EnvironmentalReview.aspx.
Upon approval, the full list of approved projects and their costs can be found in a press release on PENNVEST's web site at www.pennvest.pa.gov.
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CWSRF Projects Being Considered:
Applicant: Conneaut Lake Joint Municipal Authority County: Crawford Applicant Address: 9888 State Highway 285
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316Project Description: The Conneaut Lake Joint Municipal Authority is proposing to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), perform a separation of the East and West force mains that feed the WWTP and upgrade the existing S8 pump station (PS). The upgrades to the WWTP include removing outdated technology, removing the existing rock media trickling filters, replacing the bio-tower feed pumps, adding an intake screen, refurbishing the primary clarifier and removing the secondary clarifier. It also includes installing new headworks, sludge press and an emergency generator. Also, this project will abandon the failing pipe at Conneaut Lake dam and reroute the flow by the most direct route possible completely bypassing the dam. The pipe will be connected directly to the WWTP through a new approximately 2,200 linear feet (LF) 12-inch diameter high density polyethylene pipe installed by horizontal directional drilling. Additionally, the existing S8 PS will be upgraded. The PS upgrade includes replacing the two 80 gallon per minute (gpm) submersible grinder pumps with submersible nonclog centrifugal pumps rated at 80 gpm each, with space allotted for a third future pump of the same size. The upgrade will also increase the size of the force main from 3-inch diameter to 4-inch diameter.
Problem Description: The WWTP was designed and built in the 1960s and the machinery has been extended beyond its useful lifespan resulting in the WWTP not being able to meet new effluent limits established by the Department. Additionally, the existing force main that traverses Conneaut Lake dam is corroding and has leaked causing spillage into Conneaut Lake. The existing collection network has two force mains combining on the west side of Conneaut Lake before it is consolidated into one pipe flowing to the WWTP. Due to natural phenomenon of different precipitation events on each side of the lake, flow imbalances have caused excessive wear and corrosion of equipment within the S8 PS.
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Applicant: Cresson Township Municipal Authority County: Cambria Applicant Address: 730 Portage Road
Cresson, PA 16630Project Description: The proposed wastewater collection system extension project is to serve approximately 55 commercial and single-family residential dwellings along the north side of U.S. Route 22 in Munster and Cresson Townships, Cambria County. It includes approximately 15,600 LF of 8-inch diameter gravity wastewater main, two PSs, approximately 13,000 LF of 4-inch diameter force main and appurtenances.
Problem Description: The proposed project addresses requirements of the consent order and agreement dated August 6, 2007, between Munster Township and the Department. Per the consent order and agreement, the Department identified 16 lots with unpermitted or malfunctioning, or both, on-lot sewage disposal systems in Munster Township. Munster Township agreed to replace the existing systems with a community sewage system or treatment facility permitted by the Department.
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Applicant: North Huntingdon Township Municipal Authority County: Westmoreland Applicant Address: 4130 Turner Valley Road
North Huntingdon, PA 15642Project Description: This project proposes to construct a new wastewater treatment facility (WWTF), which includes: constructing a centralized process lift station; a headworks facility including screening and grit removal; a sequencing batch reactor with biological nutrient removal capabilities; an ultraviolet disinfection system; an effluent water storage facility; and the construction of a sludge dewatering building. The existing treatment facility will be decommissioned.
Problem Description: The Youghiogheny WWTP was constructed in the 1970s and is nearing the end of its useful life. The plant lacks sufficient preliminary treatment facilities such as screening and grit removal, which impacts downstream solids management processes. In addition, the plant is unable to meet future nutrient removal requirements and peak hydraulic loads. It is also unable to meet the sanitary sewer needs of the North Huntingdon Township Municipal Authority's buildout service area.
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Applicant: East Franklin Township Road Fund County: Armstrong Applicant Address: 106 Cherry Orchard Avenue
P.O. Box 69
Kittanning, PA 16201Project Description: This project includes constructing approximately 7,000 LF of 8-inch sanitary sewer line extension and 39 watertight manholes. This collection system will be completely gravity fed and will connect to the existing West Hills Area Water Pollution Control Authority (WHAWPCA) collection system that is currently operating at 50% capacity. Once the sanitary sewer line is constructed and the homes are connected to it, the Fox Hollow Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be decommissioned and removed. The existing STP and the proposed sanitary sewer line extension are located along Toy Road, Booher Road and Claypoole Road. A total of 44 homes will be served, generating 17,600 gallons per day (gpd) of sewage to be conveyed to the WHAWPCA WWTF. The project will be completed in accordance with the Corrective Action Plan made between the Department and East Franklin Township, as approved by letter dated December 2, 2021.
Problem Description: The Fox Hollow STP was constructed in 1996 by a private developer. Shortly after construction, the developer went bankrupt and East Franklin Township took over operations. The STP was constructed with used equipment. The tanks are rusting due to aging and the system is in constant need of repair. On June 14, 2021, the Department issued a notice of violation to East Franklin Township for effluent violations/hydraulic and organic overload conditions at the STP. This was due to effluent discharge exceedances for fecal coliform and total suspended solids. East Franklin Township has taken action to correct the violations by having sludge hauled away more frequently and cleaning the intakes on a more regular basis. However, the sludge hauling company was not always available due to increased demand and staff shortages. East Franklin Township has temporarily resolved the trucking issue and revised its maintenance schedule to alleviate the problem. This project will provide a long-term solution to the existing problem.
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Applicant: Hopewell Borough County: Bedford Applicant Address: 411 Broadway Avenue
P.O. Box 160
Hopewell, PA 16650Project Description: This project includes the installation of a new WWTF to replace the existing WWTF. It involves installing a 32,500 gpd extended aeration prepackaged WWTP, upgrading the pumps and controls at the influent PS, upgrading the liquid alum chemical feed pumps, upgrading the laboratory and adding an electrical room. The new plant will be constructed adjacent to the existing control building and the existing plant will be decommissioned upon successful start-up and commissioning of the new plant.
Problem Description: Hopewell Borough owns and operates the Hopewell Borough WWTF and collection system, which serves approximately 104 customers. The WWTF was constructed and began operation in 1988. Due to aging infrastructure, the WWTF suffers from several operational problems including equipment failure and constantly needing repair. Several effluent limit violations for fecal coliform, phosphorus, chlorine and total suspended solids have been reported. If not replaced, the deteriorating facility will continue violating effluent limits, thereby deteriorating the local water quality. The Department has issued several notices of violation for this plant. Additionally, worker safety is a concern if certain systems at the facility are not replaced.
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Applicant: Frackville Area Municipal Authority County: Schuylkill Applicant Address: 41 North Lehigh Street
Frackville, PA 17931Project Description: This project involves installing 2,160 LF of 10-inch sanitary sewer lines, 11 manholes, 1,100 LF of low-pressure sewer line, 2 grinder pumps and lateral connections. Additionally, the no longer necessary existing sanitary sewer pumping station will be removed. The proposed gravity sewer extension will convey flow to the existing PS along Fireman's Road and then convey it to Industrial Road where it will connect to Frackville Area Municipal Authority's (FAMA) existing gravity sewer main. The sewer line will be constructed through an undeveloped parcel of land owned by Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation. The low-pressure system is anticipated to comprise of individual grinder pumps and a small section of low-pressure sewer main.
Problem Description: The Fireman's Road PS is in West Mahanoy Township in the Frackville Industrial Park. The PS was constructed in 1990 and was turned over to FAMA in 1991. The PS is in disrepair and needs rehabilitation. During investigations to upgrade the Fireman's Road PS, the engineering consultant for FAMA confirmed by means of a survey that the station could be eliminated and that the upstream wastewater flow can be conveyed by a gravity sewer.
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DWSRF Projects Being Considered:
Applicant: Indiana County Municipal Services Authority County: Indiana Applicant Address: 602 Kolter Drive
Indiana, PA 15701Project Description: The proposed project includes waterline upgrades and extensions within Indiana County. The project is divided into separate project areas. The Indiana Road and Midd Street Waterline Extension includes the installation of approximately 3,200 LF of 6-inch waterline to replace an existing 2-inch waterline and replacement of lead and copper services in Creekside Borough and Washington Township. The Fyock Road project includes the installation of approximately 1,200 LF of new 8-inch waterline to interconnect with existing waterlines and valve vault improvements. The Tanoma/Skyline waterline extension includes the installation of approximately 28,000 LF of new 8-inch waterline extension. This extension will provide water to a number of residential homes that are currently hauling water and will remove six homes from a community cistern.
Problem Description: Some of the waterlines within the service area are beyond useful service life, prone to breakage, leaks, and in some cases, nonexistent. Where waterlines are aged and deteriorated, they are susceptible to leaks and breaks which are costly to repair. Areas in the Indiana/Midd project area have experienced numerous breaks which resulted in periodic service shutdowns and costly emergency repairs. By replacing the waterlines, Indiana County Municipal Services Authority will be able to provide clean drinking water and eliminate breaks and leaks. The Fyock Road portion of the project proposes to improve water supply by providing better continuity of service and longevity of service. The Tanoma/Skyline portion of the project is situated in an area where some of the residents are hauling water or are currently using a community cistern. The proposed public water extension would provide clean, safe drinking water to the residents living in the project area.
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Applicant: Highland Sewer and Water Authority County: Cambria Applicant Address: 120 Tank Drive
Johnstown, PA 15904Project Description: Highland Sewer and Water Authority (HSWA) owns and operates a water treatment plant and public water distribution system which serves over 10,000 customers in 17 different municipalities within Cambria County. Additionally, HSWA sells bulk water to 13 smaller water utility owners which distribute and resell water to their customers. One of these utility owners is Tri-Township Water Authority (TTWA). TTWA is in Coyle, Summerhill and Portage Townships, Cambria County. TTWA purchases all their water from HSWA and sells water to residents within its service area. Due to difficulties managing and maintaining a public water system, TTWA proposes to sell its water system to HSWA. HSWA is proposing to replace approximately 52,300 LF of transmission and distribution water line, 180 service lines, 265 water meters and associated appurtenances within the TTWA system, which will be collectively known as the HSWA.
Problem Description: Due to difficulties managing and maintaining a public water system, TTWA is proposing to sell their water system to HSWA. By transferring ownership and replacing the distribution system and meters, the current 56% of unaccounted-for water should be reduced substantially, leaks and breaks will be much less frequent and water quality and quantity will improve for the service area.
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Applicant: Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township County: Butler Applicant Address: 707 South Pike Road
Sarver, PA 16055Project Description: The Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township is proposing to extend public water service from the existing point of service, the intersection of Chesterfield Drive and Sarver Road/Route 228, to the intersection of Crescent Hill Road and Sarver Road/Route 228 West as well as to the residents of Sunny Lane, Kimberly Drive, Carol Drive and Crescent Hill Drive. This extension of public water service will be located in Buffalo Township, Butler County. The project will also include the replacement of waterlines on Market Street, Fourth Street and Buffalo Street in Freeport Borough, Armstrong County.
Problem Description: The proposed project area in Buffalo Township, Butler County is currently served by private groundwater well systems. Several residents have inquired about public water service due to the groundwater being of poor quality. The residents have failing wells that are potentially causing health issues. Regarding the proposed project area in Freeport Borough, the waterlines are aged and deteriorated which are susceptible to leaks and breaks. These areas have experienced numerous breaks which resulted in periodic service shutdowns and costly, emergency repairs. The water loss during these events is stretching the operating budgets to their limits. As a result of the breaks and leaks, the residents are also subjected to poor roadway conditions due to multiple patches/ditches. By replacing the waterlines, the Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township will be able to provide reliable drinking water and eliminate breaks and leaks.
RICHARD NEGRIN,
Acting Secretary
Department of Environmental ProtectionROBERT H. BOOS,
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 23-780. Filed for public inspection June 9, 2023, 9:00 a.m.]
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