In conjunction with West Caln Township staff, Hydraterra prepared a Sewage Management Program (SMP) as an update to the Official Sewage Facility Plan.
The Township and Hydraterra met with PADEP to identify key objectives to be addressed as part of the plan update. Concerns regarding large vacant properties, the potential need for improved sewage facilities, and sewer need alternatives were discussed then evaluated. Large property public sewer concerns were alleviated as a result of property ownership transfers occurring during completion of the project.
In sum, Hydraterra determined the sewer needs of the Township and created a plan to best utilize the existing sewage infrastructure.
Ultimately, a SMP to extend the life and ability to treat residential sewerage of on-lot disposals systems (OLDS) was selected as the most logical, cost-effective method to address the key objectives.
SMP goals included:
• Develop reporting requirements for OLDS inspection, maintenance, and observation;
• Collect an inventory of OLDS;
• Provide registration of service providers;
• Provide provisions for enforcement/violations;
• Develop ordinance regulating the SMP;
• Provide opportunities for public education;
• Hold annual public educational meetings to share on-lot disposal systems operations and maintenance information.
Township requested a program that would minimize public staffing needs for the registration of service providers and the collection of OLDS inventory while at the same time provide a method of compliance notification. As a result, “Terra Tracker”, Hydraterra’s own dynamic infrastructure data collection and management software, was implemented.
Working together for the community, Township staff, their Solicitor, and Hydraterra created an ordinance regulating the SMP, developed numerous opportunities for public education, and are currently in the process of holding annual public educational meetings to share on-lot disposal systems operations and maintenance information.
| West Caln Township Chester County, PA Project Period: 2019-2021 |