Politics & Government
Skippack Township Board Pushing for SCI Phoenix Sewage
"It's a matter of putting politics in line" said Board President Mary Beth LaBelle, of the agreement which would bring Skippack Township $800,000 per year
President Mary Beth LaBelle pledged the board’s support of SCI Phoenix East and West -- the expanded Graterford Prison -- joining the public sewer system at a meeting on July 11.
“It is Skippack’s mission to work with the prison and have the sewage come through our system…to allow the capacity to come through Skippack and over to the Oaks Wastewater Treatment,” said LaBelle.
The additional sewage would require Skippack to add a middle interceptor to their system before sending the sewage to the Oaks plant, which also treats the sewage of several neighboring municipalities.
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When questioned by a resident, LaBelle said her support is economical, ecological, and based on timing.
“It is less of a burden to go through a system that is already established. From an economic standpoint, we have an opportunity to make $800,000 on the sewer fees each year. Additionally, funds will go to the Oaks Plant to ensure that it runs for everyone,” LaBelle said.
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According to Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Public Works Elizabeth O’Reilly, the prison is “project neutral” regarding the sewer. There is money in the budget to enhance the on-site facility, or it can join the public system.
O’Reilly said that the deadline to make a decision on the sewer system is November.
“Right now we’re going to fight for that revenue for our township,” said LaBelle.