ZELIENOPLE — A $90,000 grant will help officials study and address issues with the area’s sewer system.

On Tuesday the Western Butler County Authority received the grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to conduct a planning study to update the borough’s Act 537 plan, also called a regional sewage facilities plan.

According to authority Manager Autumn Heckathorn, the study is needed as the area covered by the authority — which includes Jackson and Lancaster townships — continues to grow. She said officials believe the older collection and conveyance systems in Harmony and Zelienople experience high rates of inflow and infiltration during storms.

Inflow is when stormwater enters a sewage system through drains and downspouts that are improperly connected to the system. Infiltration is when groundwater enters a sewage system through cracks or leaks in pipes.

“To gain a strong understanding of the system, its current inadequacies and future needs, the authority is undertaking a comprehensive update to the regional sewage facilities plan,” she said.

Heckathorn said the grant will help offset the cost of the plan, and will allow the study to begin immediately.

“(The authority) is extremely appreciative of all of our representatives that support the Sewage Facilities Program and made this grant a possibility,” she said.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the state’s economic stimulus packages. It holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

State Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47th, said he is thankful for the state’s investment in the area.

“These projects will help to improve our infrastructure needs and provide residents with beautiful updated parks that they can enjoy with their families,” he said.

The grant is being offered through the authority’s Sewage Facilities Program.