PETROLIA — The Bear Creek Watershed Authority is replacing piping brackets at its four treatment plants thanks to a $128,000 state grant.

Chris Dunmyre, authority chief plant operator, said corroded aluminum brackets holding the pipe carrying sludge broke in the Petrolia plant, which was constructed in the mid-1980s.

The pipes remained intact, so there was no leakage.

Five of the 10 total brackets in the plant were replaced two years ago, so only five new ones are needed now.

Since the other plants in Bruin, Karns City and Fairview were built at the same time, all the brackets in those facilities also will be replaced as a preventive measure.

“It’s a pre-emptive strike,” Dunmyre said.

He said the work won’t interrupt service.

Dunmyre said the authority appreciates the funding.

“This helps defers costs,” he said.

State representatives Lee James, R-64th, and Brian Ellis, R-11th, jointly announced the grant Thursday.

James said in a news release that water and sewage treatment are essential government functions.

“It’s something we often take for granted, but it’s a very important service for our communities,” he stated.

Ellis said in the release that the funding benefits many local families.

“This is an investment in the health and well-being of many Butler County residents,” he stated.

The funding is through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s PA Small Water and Sewer grant program.