Sewage Causing A Stink For Bensalem Homeowners

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —For some residents along Hansell Drive, the stench from sewage is a constant condition they must live with every day.

Colleen Rispo appeared before the Bensalem Township Council to address the sewage that has plagued her home and those of her neighbors for years. And township officials said they wanted to put an end to her sewage suffering as soon as possible.

"This is something we will certainly address," Council President Edward Kisselback told Rispo at the council's Jan. 19 meeting. "You shouldn't have to live like that. Let us take it from here."

Kisselback asked Rispo to return for an update at the next council meeting. But Monday's meeting was canceled. The next council meeting is on Monday, March 13.

Rispo said that a storm drain collapsed around the Bucks Meadows Apartments, causing sewage to back up and spill out onto their Hansell Drive properties. She also said the sewage has caused a mice problem at her home on 2032 Hansell Dr.

She especially raised concerns about the Armstrong property where there was recently a shed demolition and a fence was removed.

"The stench at night is so bad," Rispo said. "The street was bubbling with sewage. I've been here for years, before the flood and after the flood. With the amount of corrosion, kids use and dogs walk on that property. Somebody is going to die. It's not fenced off. It's open to the public. And now it's contaminated with sewage."

Quinton Nearon, the township's senior municipal inspection manager, told the council that the sanitary sewer system was clogged.

"Do we have any jurisdiction with Bucks Meadows?" Kisselback asked. "I want some type of positive action. There's trash on the property and grease and such backing it up. We have to take punitive action to get a reaction from Bucks Meadows."

Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo said that if there's sewage overflow, the state Department of Environmental Protection would be involved.

"They take things very seriously," Pizzo said. "There would be corrective action and fining. They are very aggressive."

Pizzo said as far as a private sewer line is concerned, that would flow into the Bucks County Water and Sewer System.

"We need to get Bucks involved. Our plumbing code does not require grease traps," he said.

Pizzo said he would "circle the wagons and figure out a plan of attack." He cautioned that it might take a little time to get the parties needed for discussion to get together.

"Everyone has had sewage in their house," Rispo said. "Quinton was at my house 10 years ago. This is a residential area in Bensalem Township."

"I want to make it a priority," Councilwoman Michelle Benitez said. She asked Pizzo if the township could change its code.

Pizzo responded that the township follows the international plumbing code and that changing the code would impact every apartment in the township and that this incident isn't "commonplace id the township."

"We should have made this a priority a long time ago," Council Vice President Joseph Pilieri said.