$7.6 Million Awarded For Water, Sewer Projects Around Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Federal money will flow into several parts of Somerset County to help keep water and sewer systems moving smoothly, commissioners said.

The board voted to allocate $7.6 million to five separate water and sewer projects, which commissioners say will affect 13 municipalities in the county and benefit almost 200,000 residents. The money comes from the more than $60 million in American Rescue Plan funds awarded to the county.

The biggest project is a $3.8 million reconstruction of the storm control pump station at the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewer Authority. This station supports Branchburg, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Manville, Raritan, Somerville, and Warren.

"The more than 30-year-old emergency pump station operates when storm events create very high flow conditions," the county said. "When operating properly the emergency pump station ensures that at high flow all sewage is maintained in the system and does not enter waterways or residential properties."

The station lies in a flood plain, and its generator and some electrical components were flooded when Hurricanes Floyd, Irene, and Ida came through.

The project will elevate the generators, electronics, and sensors at the pump station to prevent future failures.

South Bound Brook will receive $1.67 million to rehabilitate sewer lines around the borough so they will be more efficient, including "CCTV inspection, sewer main cleaning, joint grouting, and manhole rehabilitation."

"The project will significantly reduce ground and storm water infiltration that can impact sewer efficiency and increase flow to the treatment plant, ultimately reducing costs for the ratepayers," the county said.

Another pump station, the Miller Lane Pump Station, will undergo a $1.47 million project "resulting in a more efficient operation, reduced electrical hazards, and lower costs." This pump station serves residents of Bedminster, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone as well as two schools, two libraries, and a number of businesses.

“Over the years we’ve been able to keep the Miller Lane pump station going with bubble gum, some band aids, a little bit of duct tape. We saw the American Rescue Plan as a terrific opportunity for real repairs, so we engaged with the County,” said Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs. “I want to thank Somerset County for working with us and listening to us through this year long project as we worked to get to this point.”

Montgomery was allocated $500,000 to remove the Otto Kaufman Community Center from being on a well water system and connect it to the municipal center.

"The well serving the community center has sometimes struggled to maintain pressure during demand, and on several occasions has not met drinking water standards requiring that water fountains be turned off," the county said.

Finally, $180,000 is going to the township of Greenbrook to complete a four-year inspection project of the sewers, and to help clean as necessary.

"Additionally, the project will identify weaknesses and areas in need of repair the Township will use to plan future projects to prevent potential failures that could impact public health and the environment," the county said.