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Manhole Covers
Manhole Covers Require Free and Clear Access We have all noticed them before, however, we seldom give much thought to their purpose and just how important they are. Manhole covers provide the underground utility operator with access to their facilities for inspection, repair, maintenance, and the like. The Peters Township Sanitary Authority which owns and operates the sanitary sewer collection and treatment facilities that serve the western portion of the Township, have found that many of its manholes have been buried, either intentionally or otherwise, by landscaping, earthen fill, paved driveways, or similar acts. This makes it very difficult for us to provide the required level of service expected by our customers and the regulatory agencies. This includes the emergency clearing of a blockage in the sewer line, which may otherwise lead to a sewage backup into a basement or spillage of sewage onto the ground. With over 3,000 manholes, it takes several years between routine inspection of our manholes. As the Authority works to improve the operational and management practices to better serve its customers by increasing preventative maintenance and thereby reducing urgent and emergency maintenance, we are discovering that substantial numbers of our manholes are buried. Recognizing that the multitude of our customers that comply with the sewer use regulations should not be burdened with the expense of uncovering and raising the manhole buried by any individual, the Authority has adopted the policy of holding the current property owner responsible for all expenses incurred. The Authority's policy considers any manhole that is buried more than 4" to be in violation of the policy, and therefore the Authority will hold the current property owner responsible for its excavation and grade adjustment. This does not make it permissible to bury any manhole less than 4", but rather provides the homeowner with the benefit of doubt for naturally occurring conditions that may have contributed to the manhole being buried before being held responsible. After being notified of any buried manhole on the property, which includes property they may maintain as their own, the homeowner would have 30 days to bring the manhole into compliance with Authority standards. If the homeowner fails to correct the deficiency, the Authority will have the work performed and bill the homeowner for all costs incurred. Failure to reimburse the Authority may result in a municipal lien being placed against the property. With your cooperation in assisting us to ensure that we have free and clear access to our facilities, we will continue to provide the quality and economical service that you have come to expect from the Peters Township Sanitary Authority. Any customer of the Authority who is planning landscaping activities or anyone who would like to confirm the existence of a sanitary manhole on their property may contact the Authority at 724-941-6709. The office is open 8 A.M to 4:30 P.M Monday through Friday. * This article appeared in the January 2000 issue of the "Preview".
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