Dec 2, 2003 By April Straughters 3 min read

LUZERNE TWP. – The Luzerne Township Sewage Authority Monday decided to extend the “discount period” for tap-in fees until Jan. 1. Treasurer James Lent made the motion to extend the “discount period,” to allow residents to pay $750 to tap-in to the sewage system instead of the regular fee of $800.

The authority also agreed to delay the monthly billing for LaBelle residents who have not tapped in to the system yet. The delay will give the residents an opportunity to be tapped in before they receive a bill.

Kevin Balko, the sewage project’s residential inspector, said LaBelle residents cannot be tapped-in until after the area passes testing, which is scheduled for Dec. 10.

Edgar Harris of H&H Water Control, the sewage plant operator, said that the plant has been running for two months and has experienced “no real problems with operation.”

But residents who attended Monday’s meeting complained of noise, odors and flooding.

Bonnie Liston of Maxwell said her father has been experiencing flooding in his garage since April.

Shawn Nowakowski of Maxwell said he has also experienced some flooding.

The authority members discussed at length possible solutions to the flooding and assured the residents that something would be done to correct the problem.

Edward Ritsko, who lives near the sewage plant, said he smells a foul odor from the plant and also hears the motors running. He said he’s worried that the smell will get worse in the summer.

“It stinks tremendously all day long. This plant, the odor, it’s ruined my life. It’s disgusting and it’s embarrassing,” Ritsko said. “This is unacceptable.”

Solicitor Jack Purcell said that odor should not be a problem if the plant is operating correctly.

The authority members noted that they were told by the engineers who constructed the plant that modern plants do not give off an odor.

Chairman Bob Peton said that the plant may be giving off an odor because it’s not operating at full capacity.

During a previous meeting, engineer Rob Kuchar explained that the odor is due to a very minimal amount of sewage being pumped into the system. He said the sewage is so minimal it’s not flowing to the motor to be pumped for treatment.

Peton told the residents that their concerns will be addressed.

“Something has to be done. I don’t know what, but we can’t have people living like this.

“The problems you are facing are tough” Purcell told the residents. “You got to live with them and I’m sure these months gone by feel like years, but these projects have these problems. This stuff will take a little time, but try to keep in mind the outcome and how you will benefit when it’s all done.”

Tony Capuzzi advised residents who have complaints to either come to him or Balko (the resident inspector). He said that residents should not complain to the contractors. Capuzzi can be reached during the week at the municipal building and at the plant on the weekends.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.