» Home Page
  General Information
  Rates & Billing
  Policies & Procedures
  Contact Information
  Web Site Links
  Developers Section

Crossgates Area Replacement
This is subsystem is one of the Authority's oldest systems, dating to the early 1960's. The area in question, running from Palipetz Drive up the valley to Gateshead drive was identified as having multiple defects, thereby allowing extraneous water to enter the sanitary sewer system. Several options to repair the sanitary sewer were evaluated, due to its close proximity to several of the homes along Scarlborough Lane, it was decide best to replace the line and locate it several feet from the existing line. The existing line will left in place to carry ground water away from the new sanitary sewer ditch. This concept is what is known as "parallel sewer". The project is currently in the final design phase, with anticipation that advertisements to solicit competitive bids to complete work being let in Early 2005. As this is a rather large project, and will affect several residential properties, a public meeting will be held to inform the residents of the work and to answer any questions that they may have. Those affected residents will receive notice once the plans are finalized. The project is estimated to carry a price tag in the neighborhood of $319,000.00

Return to Home Page

Brush Run Vactor Receiving Station
The Authority recently took delivery of 2004 Vactor combination hydraulic sewer cleaner and vacuum truck to replace its antiquated hydraulic sewer cleaner. The new unit not only has the capabilities to use high-pressure water for cleaning of the sanitary sewers, but also permits for the vacuuming of the debris removed. As this material usually consists of a lot of water, a facility is required that will permit the material to be de-watered prior to transport to the sanitary landfill for ultimate disposal. The vactor receiving station consists of a large concrete tank with an under-drain system that permits the liquid to be pumped back to the treatment plant for treatment, the tank has access for a skid steer loader to access the in order to load the debris for disposal. The current plans call for conversion of an unused tank located at the Brush Run WPCP. The project is designed; however, completion has been placed on hold. The Authority may need to use this space for an additional treatment process that may become necessary as a result of the US EPA placing a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) allowances for phosphorus on the stream to which the plant discharges.

The Authority has received confirmation from the US EPA that a TMDL will not be imposed on the stream, and therefore the Authority plans to proceed with construction during 2005.

Return to Home Page

Friar Lane Area Lining Project
This area has been identified as contributing large amounts of inflow/infiltration into the sanitary sewer system, and has been targeted for some type of rehabilitation. Current plans call for the lining of the old VCP sanitary sewers with new plastic pipe. This method requires little or no excavation, as the new pipe is pulled through the existing pipe from the manholes. The only excavation required is the area where the house lateral will need to be reconnected to the new pipe. This method was chosen as it provides for less disruption of the neighborhood. The area currently under consideration is both sides of Friar Lane up to and including Merlin Drive, as well as a small portion of Camelford Road. Plans are currently being developed, and barring any unforeseen circumstances; the project is scheduled to be completed during 2004. Those residents affected by the project will receive written notification once the plans are finalized.

Return to Home Page

Stonehenge Area Grouting and Point Repairs
Approximately 10,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe in this area has been targeted for rehabilitation in early 2005. The method of rehabilitation consists of pressure testing each joint of the sanitary sewer pipe and those joints that do not pass the test will have a chemical grout injected into them. All manholes in the area of the project will also tested and sealed using chemical grout. In addition, any defects in the pipe will be repaired by the placement of cured in place pipe repairs. This method requires no excavation to complete, as a resin impregnated liner is pulled to the defect from the existing manholes and then inflated to adhere to the host pipe and allowed to cure, thereby becoming one with host pipe. All the property owners in the affected area will receive written notification prior to the start of the project.

Return to Home Page

D.C. WPCP De-Chlorination Facilities
The PTSA has made application to the PA DEP for a permit to install De-chlorination facilities at is Donaldson Crossroads WPCP. The installation will permit the introduction of Sodium Bisulfite into the wastewater as it leaves the chlorine contact tank, this will serve to remove the vast majority of the residual chlorine before the final effluent enters Chartiers Creek. The project will consist of installation of a chemical storage and feed room with related equipment, a new outfall pipe with a vault for chemical addition, as well as some minor equipment enhancements. The project is being completed in order to comply with the more stringent discharge limits for residual chlorine placed upon the Authority in its new NPDES permit issued by the PA DEP and US EPA.

Return to Home Page

Collection System Rehabilitation Efforts
The Authority has recently awarded two separate contract totaling nearly $100,000 to complete rehabilitation efforts tot he sanitary sewers in the Fieldbrook and McNary Plans of the Township. On contract is for the testing of each joint within the pipe and then chemically grouting any joint that fails that test. The second contract consists of the placement of several CIPP (Cured in Place Pipe) liners to correct some minor defects in the sewer pipe. Neither of these contracts will require any excavation to perform, and upon completion, approximately 10,000 LF of sewer will have been completely rehabilitated including the manholes within the sub system. Final administrative issues are being addressed at this time, and upon completion of those items, a Notice to Proceed will be issued to the selected contractors.

Return to Home Page

Valley Brook Interceptor Capacity Augmentation
The Authority is in the process of securing approval from the PA Department of Environmental Protection for its plans to augment the capacity in a portion of its Valley Brook Interceptor Sewer. The augmentation will be accomplished by replacing old vetrified clay pipe with larger diameter PVC pipe. Approximately 2300 LF of pipe will be replaced beginning in the vicinity of Brusters Ice Creme and going west toward the treatment plant. The Authority hopes to have secured approval and to let the project out for the competitive bidding process by February 2002 with construction to commence in the Spring of 2002.

Return to Home Page

BR WPCP Bar Screen Washing Press
The Authority Board of Directors at its February meeting awarded a contract for the purchase and installation of a bar screen washing press at its Brush Run WPCP. The washer will not only remove any organic material left in the screenings, but will also compact the amount of screenings collected, thereby reducing the cost of disposal. The total project cost, including engineering and design, is estimated at $80,000.00 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer.

Return to Home Page

Pipe Bursting Projects
This form of pipe replacement is fast becoming popular in the sewer industry, as there is very little or no excavation required. The process is actually quite simple; a pneumatic pipe bursting tool is inserted into the pipe which "bursts" the old pipe while expanders push it out of the way. The new pipe is attached to the tool and is being pulled into place as the old pipe is burst.

The Authority has recently completed two pipe-bursting projects:

  • Nancy Court Area: Replacement of approximately 126 LF of deteriorated 8" clay pipe with 8" High Density Polyethylene pipe (HPDE). This method was chosen as the line crosses beneath Waterfall Way.
  • Waterdam Road Area: This segment of line was replaced, as there was a need to increase the hydraulic capacity. The line being about 35' deep and crossing beneath the State owned roadway, pipe bursting was selected. This consisted of replacement of nearly 280 LF of 10" concrete pipe with 16" HDPE pipe.

Return to Home Page

Complete Sub-system Rehabilitation Projects
The East Highland Drive Area was targeted for rehabilitation as it was identified as contributing excess inflow and infiltration into the sewer system. Two different methods of rehabilitation were chosen to accomplish the task. The first being the traditional method of excavation. This portion involved the excavation and replacement of approximately 3300 LF of 8" VCP with 8 PVC pipe and the replacement of several manholes, as well as the installation of "inspection ports" on all service laterals. The other chosen method was that of yet another trenchless technology method, using the formed in place lining procedure. This method uses a pipe that is basically deformed to allow it to be pulled through the existing pipe from manhole to manhole. Once in the existing pipe, the new pipe is reformed to its original shape using a combination of steam and pressure. Approximately 2510 LF of pipe was rehabilitated with this technology. All of the service laterals along theses segments also had an inspection port installed. Total cost for both projects was in the neighborhood of $500,000.00.

Return to Home Page

Grouting Projects
The Authority routinely undertakes projects to have the joints in its sanitary sewer system tested and any joint failing to hold the required test pressure is then grouted using a chemical grout. Several of the recently completed areas include:

  • Stonebrook Drive Area: 10,666 LF of 8" sanitary sewer
  • Marella Manor Area: 6,250 LF of 8" sanitary sewer
  • Valleybrook Interceptor: 4726 LF consisting of 12", 15", and 18" sanitary sewer

In conjunction with the testing and grouting in Marella Manor, the Authority also performed several CIPP (Cured in Place Pipe) repairs. This method is also one of the trenchless methods. It consists of pulling a fiberglass resin impregnated sock into the sewer line to the area requiring repair. The sock is then expanded and allowed to cure in place thereby adhering itself to the host pipe.

Return to Home Page

Capacity Augmentation Projects
Occasionally the need arises to augment the amount of capacity in the intercepting sewers due to growth and/or excessive I/I, which cannot be removed cost effectively. Just this past fall, the Authority installed approximately 600 LF of Relief Sewer along the lower portion of Oakwood Road in the vicinity of its DC WPCP. This line will become active during periods of high flow conditions conveying additional flow to the treatment plant, thereby eliminating any potential overflow that may have otherwise occurred in this area.

Return to Home Page