Luzerne authority receives permission to install force main
LUZERNE TWP. – The Luzerne Township Sewage Authority has received formal permission from the state Department of Environmental Protection to install a force main at the treatment plant for the sludge return. The authority had requested the permission nearly seven months ago to correct a problem with valves at the plant clogging on a regular basis. The valves clogged 12 times in September, according to the operator’s report.
Don Reho of Widmer Engineering said he had actually received a copy of the authorization letter last month, so he has been able to begin some of the work on the plans and specifications for the force main. Reho said he should have the work completed by the end of October, so the project can be put out for bids in November, with contracts possibly awarded in December.
It was noted that a system that recycles water from the plant for equipment maintenance logged a significant savings in the last billing cycle, which covered the period from Aug. 3 to Sept. 9.
The water bill for that time period was $373, while the preceding month’s bill was more than $1,000, according to office manager Michele Plutch.
“We’ve had a considerable amount of cost savings this year, from water usage to chemical usage to electrical usage,” said Joe Terravecchia, vice chairman of the authority. “I think we need to recognize the people for doing work above and beyond.”
The authority directed Plutch to compile a savings report, showing the amount that’s been saved and which employees proposed or implemented the system that resulted in the savings.
In other matters, Plutch reported that progress is being made on unpaid taps. The authority started the year with 24 customers who had not paid their tap-in fees and at present, there are 13 customers who are still making payments. Plutch noted that once the tap fee is paid, the customers have a limited time in which to tap into the sewer system.
It was noted that odor control blocks at the sewage treatment plant appear to be working, reducing the odor if not eliminating it entirely. Board member James Lent said there are still certain times of the day when the odor is stronger than others, but for the most part, the scent blocks are working.