Sewer System Moves Forward Despite Residents' Requests

"The following is a correction of the article “Sewer System Moves Forward Despite Residents’ Requests,” printed June 20.

The Lower Milford Board of Supervisors received a request from one household within the designated Limeport sewerage area, that the final deadline of July 1 for connection be held in abeyance for them while their attorney concludes his research.  The subject property has been requesting an exemption from connection and were advised no exemptions may be permitted of the DEP approved connection area or the Township would be in violation of the Grant and Loan agreements with the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.  Township Manager, Ellen Koplin, gave an overview of the notices sent to property owners within the connection area advising of the connection deadline.   A second and final extension to July 1 was granted to the remaining handful of property owners that are still working to connect.

The Board voted unanimously to adhere to the current deadline of July 1 for all properties. 

Single Residential properties are charged a tapping fee of $3,100 and a grinder pump connection fee of $400.  The Township secured funding with Lehigh County through the Community Development Block Grant program for income eligible properties to receive assistance with their connection and tapping fees."

The Lower Milford Board of Supervisors voted down a request for a deadline extension to connect to Limeport's sewer system by July 1. Supervisors said at Thursday's meeting they had no choice but to enforce the Sewage Facilities Plan, which requires the majority of residences in Limeport to connect to a central sewer line.

Township manager Ellen Koplin said residents received notice in March that they would have to connect to the sewer line. The deadline was set for June 1 and a reminder was sent out in May. The township has since extended the deadline to July 1, but the board said it will take action against any residents not connected by that time.

“We have a $2 million project,” said supervisor William Roy, explaining why the township had to enforce the ordinance. “That’s a big wheel that’s moving.”

Board members attempted to place some of the responsibility on the state Department of Environmental Protection, which the board said was responsible for enacting the change. “Almost 20 years ago we looked at all different options,” said supervisor Mike Snovitch. “It was very clear that the village had a problem. This decision is being forced upon us by the [Department of Environmental Protection].”

Initially, board president Donna Wright seemed willing to extend the deadline. “I don’t have any problem with that [request].”

Koplin was quick to point out, however, that the board had little choice in the matter. “It would violate our agreement with our grant and with our loan agreement.”

Township solicitor Mark Cappuccio also advised the board, “You do have to abide by your ordinance.”

Although it seemed the board’s hands were tied on this decision, some members tried to put a positive spin on the new system. “It’s cheap and it’s good insurance compared to what it’s going to cost to replace the system,” Roy said.

Residents hooking into the sewer system were required to pay $3,100 for a grinder pump and another $3,000 to connect to the system. Lower Milford offered financing to low-income houses. Six properties qualified.