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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 24-451

NOTICES

PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Environmental Assessment Approvals for PENNVEST Funding Consideration

[54 Pa.B. 1799]
[Saturday, March 30, 2024]

Scope: Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Projects for consideration at the April 24, 2024, meeting of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Board.

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, April 22, 2024. Electronic comments should be submitted using the Department's eComment site at www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment. Written comments can 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:Conyngham-Sugarloaf Joint Municipal Authority
County:Luzerne
Applicant Address:245 Main Street
Conyngham, PA 18219

Project Description: The proposed wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) project at the Conyngham-Sugarloaf Joint Municipal Authority's WWTP includes the expansion and upgrade of the WWTP from 0.350 MGD to 0.500 MGD. The wastewater treatment process at the existing treatment facility will be upgraded from contact stabilization to a sequencing batch reactor process. Other proposed upgrades to occur at the WWTP include a new influent pump station, screening facility, grit removal system, control building, chemical feed systems, piping and valves, ultraviolet disinfection system, plant water system, effluent flow meter, supervisory control and data acquisition instrumentation, and necessary site work.

Problem Description: The WWTP is currently hydraulically overloaded. The proposed upgrades to the WWTP will provide for treatment capacity to address the hydraulic overload conditions.

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Applicant:North Manheim Township Authority
County:Schuylkill
Applicant Address:303 Manheim Road
Pottsville, PA 17901

Project Description: The North Manheim Township Authority proposes to extend the public sewer system along Garfield Avenue. This extension will add 55 equivalent dwelling units to the service area of the Schuylkill Haven WWTP. The project includes installing 4,800 linear feet (LF) of 8-inch PVC sanitary sewer, 30 each of 4-foot diameter precast concrete manholes, wyes, laterals, cleanouts, utility coordination, traffic control and associated site restoration.

Problem Description: A survey was conducted on 21 of the 55 properties that are to be serviced by the proposed sanitary sewer extension to determine the general condition of the onlot disposal systems. The survey indicated a 14.3% confirmed malfunction rate and a 33% suspected malfunction rate of the existing onlot disposal systems.

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Applicant:Bangor Borough Authority
County:Northampton
Applicant Address:P.O. Box 51
Bangor, PA 18013

Project Description: The Bangor Borough Authority proposes to upgrade its WWTP and collection and conveyance system. Upgrades at the WWTP include adding a new 0.57 million gallon equalization tank to ensure proper treatment during wet weather flows, replacing the control and monitoring system to allow for real-time operational monitoring, replacing the existing screen screw system, installing an effluent flow meter and replacing the headworks pump. Upgrades to the collection and conveyance system include replacing the Walnut Street Pump Station and rehabilitating approximately 12,000 LF of sewer main to address inflow and infiltration. Additionally, the area around the WWTP will be graded to protect it from flooding.

Problem Description: Some of the Bangor Borough Authority WWTP components are at the end of their useful life, while other components need upgrading for more efficient and safer operation. Also, the existing equipment at the Walnut Street Pump Station (PS) is antiquated and requires updating to ensure proper and safe functioning. The collection and conveyance system experiences excessive inflow and infiltration during wet weather conditions, resulting in hydraulic and organic overload at the WWTP.

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Applicant:Dallastown Borough
County:York
Applicant Address:175 East Broad Street
Dallastown, PA 17313

Project Description: The Colonial Park Sewer Extension Project includes installing approximately 10,440 LF of 8-inch diameter gravity collection sewers and installing a new submersible wastewater PS. The PS is designed to serve the current residential units and future 75-unit residential development planned for the Deller Farm property. The PS will be served by approximately 1,318 LF of force main. Sewage collected from the project area will be treated at the Springettsbury WWTP.

Problem Description: The Colonial Park area of Dallastown Borough consists of 75 existing single-family and 2 dual-family residential homes. Dallastown Borough's Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan, approved by the Department on September 17, 2015, defined the Colonial Park area as a needs area due to malfunctioning on-lot septic systems. The Department recommended the construction of new public sewer facilities to serve the area.

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Applicant:Danville Municipal Authority
County:Montour
Applicant Address:463 Mill Street
Danville, PA 17821

Project Description: The Danville Municipal Authority intends to design, construct and operate a new Fisher Court PS and force main and upgrade their WWTP. The new PS will include two 240 gallons per minute submersible pumps, a NEMA 4X control panel and a new generator. The existing 4-inch main will be replaced with approximately 2,340 LF of 6-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) main. The flow from the Fisher Court PS force main will be rerouted to the Franklin Street sewer, which is to be completely replaced. Work on the Franklin Street sewer includes replacing 10 manholes, installing 3 new manholes and replacing approximately 3,300 LF of pipes. The existing Fisher Court PS will be demolished. Additionally, a new dewatering building with new dewatering equipment will be constructed at the WWTP.

Problem Description: The dewatering equipment, digester mixing equipment and buildings at the WWTP and the Fisher Court PS are at the end of their useful life. There is increased back-pressure and required discharge head at the Fisher Court PS due to buildup in the force main and discharge piping. A 2014 investigation concluded that the buildup has effectively reduced the force main's effective diameter from 4 inches to about 2 inches, thus increasing back-pressure on the aging pumps affecting the pump's ability to deliver its rated capacity.

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Applicant:City of Philadelphia
County:Philadelphia
Applicant Address:1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Project Description: The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) proposes to construct a sidestream treatment facility to reduce the ammonia load to the Southwest Water Pollution Control Plant (SWWPCP) and subsequently reduce the amount of ammonia discharged to the Delaware River. This project includes installing two equalization tanks, two deammonification bioreactors and an ancillary building that will house an equipment gallery, process analysis room, a conference room, a control room, an electrical room and a chemical feed room. The proposed sidestream treatment facility will satisfy a commitment that PWD has made to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) by implementing an early action item towards compliance with future regulations related to ammonia discharges, thereby improving the water quality in the Delaware River.

Problem Description: The DRBC Aquatic Life Designated Use Analysis of Attainability Report identified PWD's SWWPCP as a major contributor of the ammonia load and resulting dissolved oxygen reduction in the Delaware River. As such, PWD committed to implementing side-stream treatment at the SWWPCP Biosolids Recycling Center as an early action item.

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Applicant:Bethel Park Municipal Authority
County:Allegheny
Applicant Address:5100 West Library Avenue
Bethel Park, PA 15102

Project Description: The new Grit and Headworks Improvements Project will include connecting or installing the interceptors to the new headworks facility, new in-line flow meters to more accurately measure the plant inflow from its two main interceptors, a new coarse screen upstream of the new wet well, new raw sewage pumps, new fine screens downstream of the new raw sewage pumps along with screenings washing and compacting, new gravity vortex grit removal units and new grit pumps/grit washing and conveyance facilities. The new meters, raw sewage pumps, coarse and fine screens, grit removal head cells and grit pumping/conveyance facilities will all be housed in a new headworks building that will be constructed on the footprint of the old final clarifiers that are no longer in service. The project will also upgrade the plant's solids processing and will include the installation of a new gravity sludge thickener, new solids processing centrifuge, new solids handling pumps and associated sludge removal/conveyance facilities. The project will also include the construction of phosphorus removal facilities that will allow the plant to meet its new National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Problem Description: The existing Piney Fork WWTP currently does not have an effective headworks or grit removal process. As a result, rags and debris are clogging pumps, including the existing raw sewage pumps, and large quantities of grit are being accumulated in the plant's primary clarifiers and digesters. The grit is also damaging existing equipment, such as pump impellers. The raw sewage pumps need servicing after rags/debris accumulate. The primary clarifiers and digesters also need to be taken out of service and manually cleaned multiple times per year. A centrifuge will be installed since the existing belt filter presses are over 30 years old and are no longer manufactured, making obtaining replacement parts and service nearly impossible. An additional driver for the project is the plant's upcoming NPDES permit. The new permit will include a phosphorus limit and the plant currently does not have the appropriate processes in place to remove phosphorus to the permit level required.

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DWSRF Projects Being Considered:

Applicant:Altoona Water Authority
County:Blair
Applicant Address:900 Chestnut Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601

Project Description: The Altoona Water Authority is proposing the replacement of approximately 15,000 LF of antiquated 8-inch to 12-inch waterline along Logan Boulevard (SR 0036) from the Plank Road (SR 1001) intersection to the Brushmeade Road (T-601) intersection. This area provides critical water service to several residences and many businesses in Altoona and Hollidaysburg. Replacement of the water main is part of the Altoona Water Authority's short-term and long-term capital improvement plan.

Problem Description: The existing 8-inch and 12-inch cast iron waterline was originally installed in the mid-1950s and is approaching an infrastructure age of 70 years. The waterline has reached the end of its serviceable life and replacement is warranted. A majority of the proposed watermain replacement is planned to utilize two construction methods, high-density polyethylene water main installation via horizontal directional drilling, and PVC watermain installation by means of traditional open-cut digging method. The Altoona Water Authority wishes to complete this project prior to the Department of Transportation's planned roadway improvements/paving work project, which is expected to commence in Spring/Summer 2025.

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Applicant:Borough of Freeland Municipal Authority
County:Luzerne
Applicant Address:711 Birkback Street
Freeland, PA 18224

Project Description: The proposed project includes constructing a new 100,000 gallon finished water storage tank with mixer for distribution storage, installing approximately 800 LF of 8-inch water main to extend to the new tank, installing an altitude valve vault and constructing a fiberglass building to house controls. The valve vault will house an altitude valve to actuate based on tank level and a pressure transmitter to monitor and record the tank level. A submersible tank mixer will be installed in the new tank to prevent stagnation and thermal stratification and reduce the potential for ice buildup. The new 100-square-foot fiberglass building will house control panels and will contain a water sampling station. The project will also include the demolition of the existing Upper Lehigh Tank once the new tank is in operation. The modifications will enhance Freeland's ability to operate and maintain its system.

Problem Description: The Borough of Freeland Municipal Authority is proposing the Oak Street Water Storage Tank Project to correct deficiencies in its distribution system. Water age due to low turnover is causing poor water quality in areas of its distribution system served by the Upper Lehigh Standpipe. This standpipe is in poor condition and will be demolished as part of the project. In addition, the existing Harding Street elevated storage tank cannot be taken out of service for rehabilitation work while still maintaining adequate pressure and emergency storage for consumers.

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Applicant:Indiana County Municipal Services Authority
County:Indiana
Applicant Address:602 Kolter Drive
Indiana, PA 15701

Project Description: The Indiana County Municipal Services Authority owns and operates several public water systems and is proposing several modifications to the Heilwood System, the Cherry Tree System and the Crooked Creek System. The proposed Heilwood system modifications are as follows: Project 1—the SR 403-Camerons Road project proposes the installation of ap-proximately 25,933 LF of new waterline and appurtenances in Pine and Buffington Townships, Indiana County. The project also proposes an aboveground metering station; Project 2—the Iverson Road Project proposes installation of approximately 3,530 LF of new waterline and appurtenances along Iverson Road and SR 0422 in Blacklick Township, Cambria County. The project will also include approximately 23 LF of new waterline paralleling SR 0422 in Pine Township, Indiana County where it will connect with the existing system; and Project 3—the School Road Project proposes installation of 11,200 LF of new waterline and appurtenances along School Road in Cherryhill and Pine Townships. The proposed Cherry Tree system modifications are as follows: Project 4—the Penns Manor to Uniontown Project proposes installation of approximately 38,365 LF of waterline and appurtenances in Green Township and Cherryhill Township paralleling SR 580 from Penns Manor to Uniontown. The proposed Crooked Creek system modifications are as follows: Project 5—the East Pike PS Project proposes replacement of the existing underground pump station that is no longer in service in White Township. The existing pump station is no longer able to operate with the current system dynamics. The proposed PS will be an aboveground prefabricated PS; and Project 6—The Ernest Valve Replacement Project proposes replacement of the existing pressure reducing valves (PRV) that are not anticavitation with new anticavitation valves. The Earnest Valve (Ernest PRV) Replacement Project is located in the Borough of Ernest, Indiana County.

Problem Description: Project 1—Route 403 Cameron Road Waterline (Heilwood System), the source for the Heilwood System is a mine pool and the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority has concerns that if there is ever a collapse or contamination, there is no backup to this source. The tie-in with the Highridge System is to create redundancy in an emergency situation; Project 2—Route 422 Iverson Road Waterline (Heilwood System), the residents in this area experience poor water quality and quantity; Project 3—School Road Area Waterline (Heilwood System), the residents in this area experience poor water quality and quantity. There is no emergency backup; Project 4—Penns Manor to Uniontown Waterline, residents in this area experience poor water quality and many issues with manganese; Project 5—East Pike PS (White Township, Crooked Creek System), the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority wants to establish another supply source for emergency situations and a backup source for the Indiana County Jail and State Correctional Institution Pine Grove Prison; and Project 6—Ernest Valve Replacement, the existing 2-inch and 6-inch PRVs are not anticavitation. New PRVs will provide optimum downstream pressure control, reduce noise and eliminate the damage associated with cavitation.

JESSICA SHIRLEY, 
Interim Acting Secretary
Department of Environmental Protection

ROBERT H. BOOS, 
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-451. Filed for public inspection March 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]



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