Testing Causing Delays For Williamsburg Water Authority

Before water can be turned on to serve the residents on Ridge Road, Williamsburg, water has to be tested for bacteria.

Stiffler McGraw engineer John Clabaugh told the Williamsburg Water Authority during the regular meeting on Dec. 1 that Ridge Road had one test which scored “too high” for bacteria, and the engineering firm was awaiting a second test following a complete flush of the system.

The second test was a “pass” and all documentation necessary to obtain an operations permit was sent to the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The authority is still waiting on the DEP to issue a permit so that residents can receive the water.

Clabaugh said that if no response occurred before Friday, Dec. 4, he would give DEP a call. It was also suggested at the meeting to contact state legislators to pursue DEP on this issue affecting residents.

A discussion was held during the meeting in regards to Catharine Township and its Act 537 plans and if the authority would take over the costs of those plans.

The purpose of the DEP sewage facilities program is to implement the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) in order to help address existing sewage disposal needs, and to help prevent future problems through the proper planning, permitting, and design of all types of sewage facilities.

It was decided that the authority would take the same responsibility as it had previously done in Woodbury Township, which meant that Catharine Township would be footing the bill before the authority would decide if they would want to take over the project.

Authority Member Harry Mullins made a motion to send Catharine Township a detailed letter stating this decision. Member Stan Grove seconded the motion, which passed.