Connoquenessing Township Supervisors are reviewing proposals that could drastically increase sewage treatment costs for residents along the Route 68 corridor. Nearly 1,150 households in the eastern portion of the township would be affected and could face monthly fees seven to 10 times higher than they pay now, according to the engineering studies: as much as $384 per month.

Since 2005, the PA-DEP has urged Connoquenessing Township to update long-term plans for wastewater treatment. Act 537 emphasizes adopting a 20-to-30-year plan that responds to growth in the township. There are several housing plans that have their own licensed treatment plants that are functioning well, accounting for about 315 of the households. The remaining 835 have on-lot septic systems. About 50 noncompliant on-lot systems need attention, but the township supervisors hesitate to enforce repairs. What’s behind their reluctance?

A recent townshipwide survey found that only 12% of citizens expressed interest in public sewers, and the cost of a new system should be borne by new homes and businesses. The township Comprehensive Plan suggests there is a limited need for a single municipal system. The supervisors must maintain their focus on submitting an updated Act 537 plan as mandated by law. If the citizen survey and township Comprehensive Plan have any credence at all, the supervisors must change their tune and submit a plan that protects citizens wallets. If common sense does not prevail, legitimate challenges are certain to follow.

Joe Huth, Renfrew