Dear Borough Utility Customer,             9 November, 2011 & Updated 29 January 2012                                                                      

     Millerstown is now beginning an extended period of construction and rehabilitation to its’ wastewater treatment system.  This process will ensure that our system will be able to comply with new environmental and safety regulations and that the treated end product has no adverse effects on our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

     Much of the work and upgrading will happen unseen by most; however, certain phases of the project will have direct impact, both visual and physical. Customers should therefore be aware of some possible inconveniences during the next 10 months or so.

     The entire underground network of collection pipes that transport wastewater from your home to the treatment plant must be repaired or, in some cases, replaced. The first phase of this process is already underway and involves the sealing of leaking joints in subsurface sewer pipes. The procedure requires that joints be tested under pressure at each junction, including the connection from your home. You may notice that your toilet will gurgle, bubble, or even flush itself. In some cases, a backflow could possibly occur, and so to minimize damage or a mess, it is advised that you keep the toilet seat lid down when not in use during these ongoing procedures. One such unfortunate occurrence has already been experienced, so it is in your best interest to comply with this request.

     A second phase of this rehab will be the relining of a number of collection pipes. If this occurs on your street, you may be asked to refrain from using ANY water or toilets for a period of hours, due to the fact that your line will be temporarily blocked and have no outlet to the street. We believe that you can understand why you will need to comply with this request, if and when it becomes necessary. You will be personally contacted at your door if this work is being done at or near your residence.

     The final and most intensive part or the rehab will be comprised of actual pipe replacement, and will require some major excavation and possible disruption of certain traffic patterns. It may mean that certain things on your property bordering the street may be impacted, such as plantings, mail boxes, lamp posts, driveways and grass areas. These items may be dug out, cut down, removed, or otherwise be temporarily made unusable. They will be restored to the extent possible, with the realization that they will have been in the Boroughs’ right-of-way, and that plantings and other fixtures are put there with implied risk. It will also mean that many street surfaces will be in less than ideal condition. You may also be advised during this phase, should it happen on your street, to refrain temporarily from water and toilet usages as well. There are no easy answers or ways around these hurdles, except to be aware and prepared for some alternative measures.

     This entire project is the result of many years of planning and preparation on the part of the Borough Council and their Secretary/Treasurer, and also the Municipal Authority. All of us have worked hard to both complete this $5.4 million mandated project, and to keep your rates as low as possible while providing the vital services of safe water and proper treatment of waste products.

We thank you for your understanding and patience in the months ahead.

 

Sincerely,

 

            Timothy V. Reilly, of the Millerstown Municipal Authority