Jefferson Twp. resident questions sewage authority on need of pump
REDSTONE TWP. – A Jefferson Township resident approached the Colonial Joint Sewage Authority last month, complaining that the new sewer lines installed near his home were not at the right depth for him to connect, and he did not want to get a grinder pump to correct the problem. Since that time, Steve Leachman, who was among a few other homeowners thought to have flow problems, said he had heard from engineers that an 8-inch pipe was the only alternative to a grinder pump, in which case he wanted to get a grinder pump right away.
The authority’s engineers from Widmer Engineering and SP&K Engineering confirmed that an 8-inch pipe would be the only other way to get Leachman and one other property owner tapped in, but the project’s rules and regulations called for 4 or 6-inch pipes.
“Out of frustration, I said I did not want the grinder pump,” said Leachman, explaining to the authority that he hoped that they would instruct contractors to change the lines. “But now, I really need it.”
Board secretary Larry Williams said he wondered who was responsible for the elevation mistakes in the homes that needed a grinder pump to be able to tap in to the new system.
“Obviously, the subcontractors didn’t get the elevations correct,” said Williams. “Someone is guilty and I would like to find out who is to blame The homes were supposed to be gravity flow, so I want to know who we send the bill to.”
Rob Kuchar, of SP&K Engineering, said he could not answer the question of who was at fault, but promised to survey the basements of the homes where grinder pumps were needed and report back next month.
Don Reho, of Widmer Engineering, assured the authority that they had enough grant and PENNVEST money left over to pay for the additional grinder pumps.
“I don’t see any reason why PENNVEST would object to it,” said Reho.
The authority voted to purchase the pumps needed, and to buy extra in case others who have not tapped in, but tap in before the Dec. 1 deadline, need grinder pumps.
Authority members said that unless property owners abused the grinder pumps, the authority would be responsible for all maintenance, while the property owner would be responsible for paying electric.
Operations manager Dwayne Thomas told the authority that there were 25 customers who have not paid their tap in fees or tapped into the new system.
“We’ve sent notice that they have until Dec. 1 to tap in or we will take the action needed to have them pay and tap in,” said Thomas.
Solicitor Jack Purcell said that they can lien properties that have not been tapped in, and while that may not encourage them to pay and tap in, there are other actions that can be taken.
“For people who aren’t paying their monthly bills, you can shut the water off,” said Purcell. “You can also enforce the mandatory tap in ordinance and they can be cited for not tapping in. They would have to appear before the district justice who would have the option of fining them. People have had enough time to tap in and it isn’t fair to people who have paid and tapped in to have their neighbors still causing environmental problems.”