The Herman area sewage issue currently facing the Summit Township supervisors isn't a situation unique to that municipality. Over the past 30 or 40 years, other municipalities across the commonwealth have faced directives similar to what the state Department of Environmental Protection has now imposed on Summit.

The bottom line is that roadside ditches can no longer be allowed to "accept" sewage, Herman area sewage cannot continue to be dumped into state waterways, and malfunctioning on-lot sewage systems - 31 percent of the on-lot systems in Herman malfuction, the DEP says - must give way to modern sewage collection and treatment.

DEP is correct in requiring corrective action by the township, and it was laudable that the supervisors acted so quickly to initiate the initial step toward achieving compliance with Pennsylvania environmental regulations.

That first step involves preparation by the township engineer of an outline of the situation, which affects an area encompassing 127 properties. That report is due within 60 days.

After that, the township and its engineer will have six to eight months to prepare a report identifying options for correcting specific problems. A cost estimate for the work also is required.

Once all of that information is in the DEP's hands, the state agency will have approximately three months to review all of the data. After DEP approves a plan, the township can begin exploring financing options for the project.

As the project evolves, people in the area in question will begin to learn their potential financial contribution to the work proposed. That point will be when township leaders will likely learn the mood of the people in regard to the improvements slated.

Since such projects and their associated customer outlays usually generate some opposition and criticism, it won't be a surprise if some grumbling is eventually heard in Herman.

However, there are benefits of having public sewage - the same as having public water. Modern sewage and water facilities increase property values, and the existence of public water and sewer sevice often make selling a home easier.

Regardless, the health of the people of Herman is the foremost consideration. Untreated sewage contaminating places where people and pets can come into contact with it doesn't promote community health.

The state isn't telling the township what exactly to do. The township is being told corrective action is necessary, but municipal leaders and their professional consultants are being given the leeway to determine the best method for eliminating the problem.

According to the DEP, it could be two or three years before Summit is ready for actual construction of the remedial project. Those affected by the project should keep in touch with developments so they can ask questions and express opinions along the way, and not feel that they have been kept in the dark about what will be happening.

The state is not being unreasonable in demanding the action in question.