Jul 4, 2003 By Jenny Susa 4 min read

ROSTRAVER TWP. – The township commissioners say the DEP has been too demanding in regards to the township’s sewerage project. President George Martin said Wednesday that the township had planned to tap into Belle Vernon’s sewerage system and share costs, while expanding on its own plan and sewage treatment plant in phases. But, he said the DEP wants the township to take on a $7 million to $8 million project that would include enlarging its plant to its full capacity all at once.

“Our agreement with Belle Vernon was the most cost-effective way to have sewage in the area,” said Martin. “We agreed to pay for the increase in size of their sewage plant and would have released a few taps to allow businesses to build and provide more employment.”

Commissioner Andrew Temoshenka explained that the board approved the township’s Act 537 plan “to protect the environment, as well as the residential and commercial areas of the township,” but the DEP has not approved it.

“The DEP wants to override Act 537,” said Temoshenka. “If that is put into effect, the sewer rates will be raised, and we will not continue to develop as a community. We, as a body, should direct the solicitor to draft a joint resolution to get the DEP to approve Act 537 so that the township can continue to grow, and the sewer rates will remain reasonable. We need to shout loud and clear that they have to respond to our needs.”

Martin agreed, saying the DEP disapproved of the township’s current plan, but the township would be unable to fund the project that the DEP would have it start. He also said that if Rostraver were to build the plant to its full capacity right now, it would not work because it would be oversized.

“This is a great concern, and it is going to take public outcry and political pressure higher than the township to get them to approve our plan and get it under way,” said Martin.

Solicitor Timothy Maatta said he would do all he could to get the plan approved.

In another matter, resident John Nallo of Ridge Road mentioned safety issues concerning the use of quads in his area. He told the commissioners that young children were riding quads around his property, and he hoped the police could increase patrols on his road so that they could stop these riders form breaking the law.

“I’ve talked to the police on numerous occasions,” said Nallo. “They (children) ride illegally and unsafely, and someone is going to be killed. Enough is enough, and the issue needs to be addressed.”

Martin assured him that if he could identify the people by name, the police would take care of the problem.

“If we get their names, they will be spoken to,” said Martin. “If that doesn’t change the situation, citations will be issued.”

In an unrelated matter, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors honored Commissioner Nick Lorenzo for 20 years of service to Rostraver Township. The association awarded him a plaque in honor of his work.

“I think he deserves recognition and a round of applause after 20 years of service,” said Martin, and the audience and board members responded with enthusiastic applause. “That is a long time to serve for the township.”

Lorenzo reflected on his 20 years of service.

“There are reasons why you put in the time,” said Lorenzo. “Either you want to do it, or you just want to be an elected official. For me, I really enjoy doing it. It is hard at times, but I’ve given my life to Rostraver, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve.”