Catharine Residents Gather for Sewer News

Last month, Blair County Sewage Enforcement Officer Luke Helsel sent out letters to residents of Catharine Township inviting them to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22, regarding the enforcement of sewer regulations. Over 130 concerned residents attended the meeting at the Williamsburg Community Farm Show building Tuesday evening. Helsel was joined by Catharine Township Supervisors Heather Flaig, Ralph Rispoli and Ken Brenneman along with Solicitor Nathan Karn and Roadmaster Michael Fay.

Helsel explained that the maintenance program outlined in the letter is being pushed by the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) to keep sewer systems maintained that are currently not on any public sewer. Helsel explained this was all part of the Act 537 plan by the DEP; as of publication, Catharine Township does not have an Act 537 plan adopted or written.

"I am trying to work with you, and not against you," said Helsel. "We need to get these problems corrected."

Helsel explained that many of the homes in the township were built in the years between 1940 and 1960, and their greywater connections are not compatible with modern systems. Helsel said the average person produces 50 to 60 gallons of waste per year, and septic systems should be pumped at least every 5 years so that it is "fair to everyone."

The audience questioned a part of the letter that referred to "alternatives and consequences that were reviewed" by Catharine Township supervisors. Helsel said that these maintenance mandates are issued by the DEP, and that the consequences of not complying could cost residents much more than they currently pay. Helsel was then asked about how many septic systems were inspected in Catharine in 2021, and he said about "three or four – all of which needed repairs." Helsel noted that this process is slow.

The letter stated that inspection fees of $100 would be due in June with the application. Helsel hopes septic cleanups would begin in September. Residents who have their septic pumped within the year should send their receipt in with an application to get exempt from pumping again. Helsel told residents that pumping a 1,000-gallon tank would cost $200 to $250. He asked residents to call his office if they could not afford the cost.

Sewage inspectors would look at connections, the tank itself, and the drainfield. If there is greywater, the inspector may need to look inside the home.

Residents brought up the supervisors' idea of public sewer going to residents of Ganister and Yellow Springs. Solicitor Karn said that the township "should have done a township-wide change," instead of picking areas. The DEP knows that the Ganister part is in the planning stages. However, the township has no money to pay for the project and is relying on CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) to cover the costs for themselves and residents. The biggest obstacle for this has been income surveys. Solicitor Nathan Karn asked that those in attendance who live in the areas mentioned – Ganister and Yellow Springs – complete an income survey. Karn noted that township supervisors along with Helsel and Blair County Planning Commission Director Dave McFarland have all been out to areas in Ganister who have not returned surveys. Without the surveys, the township will not qualify for grants.

For more information, residents are urged to contact the Blair County Sanitation Office at (814) 696-1229.