Placed between a rock and a hard place, its ironic the decision regarding Connoquenessing Township’s Act 537 Sewage Plan would come from two supervisors who won’t be returning to the board come January.

Through a 2-1 vote last Wednesday, Supervisors Bruce Steinhiser and Ricky Kradel approved which option for the township’s future sewer treatment would be sent to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection for review and possible approval.

They supported regional treatment at the Saxonburg Area Authority, one of four feasible options that were laid out by engineering firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. in a more than 100 page plan.

Voting against the decision was Supervisor Angela Fleeger, who will proceed as an elected official come January.

It’s a discussion that’s dragged on for years now since the township was informed of the need by the Department of Environmental Protection, but recently, an extension had been granted for the township to consider its options through an Aug. 20, instead of June 21 deadline after Pennsylvania American Water offered up other options amid concerns of a hefty price tag for residents.

“I voted ‘no’ against that plan because I said it was not affordable to our residents as it stands,” Fleeger said, adding that grants and loans are “an absolute must” to make the plan affordable.

She and other incoming supervisors, possibly Ray Kroll Sr. and Mark Williams, who will appear on the November ballot for six- and two-year terms respectively, will be left to deal with the consequences of the decision which — if residents flooding the municipal meetings every month are correct — may be dire.

It's not even the start of their term, and these newly elected officials sure have their work cut out for them.

— TL