SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The borough council could end up spending $1.24 million to address some issues with surcharge, otherwise known as full pipes.
"The plant does have a problem during high flows," said Donald Cuff, project manager from Entech Engineering, Pottsville.
It is caused by runoff and floodwaters that could affect the operation of the pumps, he said.
A wastewater conveyance study was done over the summer, warranting some recommendations.
Borough Manager Scott Graver did not have an exact cost for the study that addressed the system that serves the western part of the borough and parts of North Manheim and Wayne townships, but said it could have been several thousand dollars.
Cuff said a full pipe could have several ramifications for the borough and system. It could cause an overflow, private properties could be affected and a meter registering flow could not work correctly causing loss of revenue, he said. It also limits ability for additional connections to the system, he said.
The study recommended a gravity line of 24 inches. That line would be from the Stoyer's Dam area to St. Charles Street. The increased line would allow for 3 million extra gallons a day for the plant. Graver said he did not know the capacity of the plant.
Also recommended was the replacement of an 8-inch line on St. Charles Street with a 12-inch line because the smaller size is limited in what it can handle upstream, Cuff said.
Richard Croneberger, water distributor and wastewater collection foreman for the borough, said enough capacity exists for the increasing line. The sewer system was installed in 1950, he said.
"Last year, we were within inches of shutting down the plant because of the flooding," Graver said about September 2011 flooding. The electrical components were almost affected, he said.
The issue was referred to the sewer committee and will be discussed 5 p.m. Oct. 25.
"It's a serious matter that we're really looking into," council President Marlin Berger Jr. said.
He said council has funds set aside for capital improvement projects and might be able to cover the cost.
In other news, a budget meeting will be held 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
