May 7, 2002 By Christine Haines 3 min read

REDSTONE TWP. – The Redstone Township Sewer Authority is having problems with ground water infiltration at the new sewage-treatment plant, despite the fact that no downspouts are to be tapped into the system. “We’re going to have to do smoke- and dye-testing in each community to see where it’s coming from. The plant can’t handle the amount of water coming into the system,” said Dwayne Thomas, chairman of the authority.

Thomas said that on days with heavy rain, the water level in the treatment tanks comes to within six inches of the top of the tank, dangerously close to overflow.

The system, less than a year old, does not have any combined sanitary/storm sewers.

Everything coming into the system should be from household sewer lines only, and those lines should not contain groundwater.

“In a new system like this, that shouldn’t exist, unless it was done intentionally,” said solicitor Jack Purcell.

Engineer Don Reho suggested that the authority contact the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association for help with the dye and smoke testing.

Thomas also noted that a property in Republic was recently discovered that wasn’t tapped into the system, as required. The property owner complied, paying a tap-in fee and back sewage bills.

Thomas also urged residents not to flush items that don’t dissolve in water. Thomas said there have been problems at the plant with items such as baby wipes and the plastic wrappers from personal-hygiene products clogging the system. Thomas said continuing to flush such items could result in costly repair bills or disposal fees that would have to be passed along to the customers.

It was also noted that when certified letters are sent out to customers with overdue bills, only a payment in full would prevent the water from being shut off. Letters are sent after an account is 30 days overdue, with approximately $60 due.

The number of delinquent customers fell to 18 percent in April. Thomas said the delinquency rate had been 20 percent. He said the 18 percent rate is still too high. He noted that there is still grant money available for residents who have not yet tapped into the system.

Municipal liens will be placed against approximately 10 properties this week for failure to tap into the system or pay monthly user fees. Purcell said the majority of those facing liens are properties with out of state owners, with the mortgages held by financial institutions.

“These are people who owe more than $1,000 in back fees, plus the $1,250 tap-in fee,” Thomas said.