The Sewer Lateral Repair Project Meeting of the East Norriton Township Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chairman Donald Gracia at 7:10 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2006, at the Paul Fly Elementary School. Supervisors present were Chairman, Donald Gracia, Vice Chairman, Lewis McQuirns and Supervisors James Serratore, James Staufenberg, and Kandy Heckman. 

            Following roll call, Mr. Gracia offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by all in attendance.

            The Chairman then reviewed the purpose of the meeting.  Mr. Gracia thanked all who were able to attend tonight’s meeting.  Mr. Gracia apologized for the cancellation of the first meeting originally scheduled for July 24^th and understood that the scheduling of this meeting was short notice for some residents. Mr. Gracia explained that tonight’s meeting is a public information meeting to discuss the conditions surrounding infiltration and inflow in the West End of the Township.  This may not be the last meeting on this subject. 

            The Chairman called on Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting Engineers.   Mr. Brown presented a slide show and highlighted the following:  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a serious problem that impacts public health, the environment and the finances of the Township and many of its residents.  Infiltration and Inflow is where storm water finds its way  into the sanitary sewer system.  All systems have infiltration and inflow. When infiltration and inflow becomes severe, the added storm water causes the sewage conveyance system, the pipes, manholes and pumping stations, to exceed their capacity. This can cause overflows of diluted raw sewage into the streets and streams, posing a threat to the environment and public health.  The problems are severe west of Whitehall Road.  During a significant rainstorm, over a million and a half gallons per day of excess storm flow can accumulate from the west end.  Within the past twelve months, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has also recognized the severity of the problem and has directed the Township through their administrative process to quickly mitigate the problem.  On behalf of the Township, ARRO Consulting has submitted a Corrective Action Plan or CAP to the state outlining a plan to correct the problem based upon our investigation. 

            Mr. Brown explained that the sewer mains in the west end of the Township were first inspected to determine if there were any substantive leaks.  Overall, the mains were found to be in good condition.  There were a series minor of repairs deemed necessary to the manholes and mains, some of which have been completed to date.  These issues were determined not to be significant contributors to the issues.  Next, the Township performed a house-by-house inspection to locate sump pumps, roof drains and perimeter drains (where possible).  Some illegal connections were found and the Township enforced the requirements for disconnection.  While all of this work did yield some successful infiltration and inflow abatement, it did not equate to the level of magnitude found during the flow metering investigation. 

            Mr. Brown reviewed the sub drainage system map.  The west end sewer system in the Township was divided into six sub areas.  Flow meters were then placed at the critical outflow points for all six sub drainage areas measuring during both dry and wet weather and then compared. Three of the sub areas were noted to be critical in that their wet weather contribution revealed as much as 1.5 million gallons per day of infiltration and inflow.  The Township contracted for televising of the mains and sewer laterals within the three critical sub areas.  While the mains continued to look good, service laterals were overall in poor shape making it clear the origin of the severe infiltration and inflow was the laterals. The lateral repair specifications have been prepared and are currently out for bid.  While almost every lateral within the televised area showed leaks or signs of leaking; the Township’s repair program is initially aimed at the most severe.

            Mr. Brown reviewed the critical sub drainage areas and discussed in detail the investigation process that led to the laterals.  Mr. Brown also discussed the relationship between the Township and the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority and how the increase flow causes increased treatment costs to the Township and in turn increased rates to the Township ratepayers. 

            Mr. Brown reviewed a diagram of a sewer lateral and discussed the critical parts of the lateral and the televising process.  Example photos of problem laterals describing what is wrong with each lateral were reviewed. Various types of lateral repairs that may be necessary were discussed.

            Mr. Brown reminded everyone that individual summary sheets have been prepared for each home that was televised and were mailed as part of the notice of this meeting.  The summary sheet provided the results of the lateral televising for each home and the recommended fix to be employed at this time.  Anyone who did not receive a summary sheet will be provided one at the close of the meeting.

            Mr. Brown reviewed the Corrective Action Plan and the responsibilities the Township has to mitigate the Inflow and Infiltration.

            The Chairman called on Township Solicitor, Steve Hann.  Mr. Hann discussed the current ordinances governing the responsibility of the home owner and the similarities to the repair of a septic system.   Mr. Hann discussed the Township’s Corrective Action Plan and the Consent Order and Agreement which must be executed with the Department of Environmental Protection.

            The Chairman asked if there were any questions from the public.  Several residents asked questions that were answedered by Township staff and consultants.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary