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ACT 537 SEWAGE FACILITIES PLAN

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Public Comment Period ​September 1 to 30, 2026.

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The draft plan below was prepared in compliance with a mandate from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):

 

ACT 537 Sewage Facilities Draft Plan (August 2026) - for Public Review and Comment

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Public comments are requested through September 30, 2026.  Questions or comments must be submitted in writing to David Horst, PE at Alfred Benesch and Company, 400 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, PA 17901 or dhorst@benesch.com.

 

In brief, the recommended plan alternative, which represents the least costly and disruptive option DEP will consider, is summarized as follows:

Implement a township-wide on-lot sewage management program requiring all septic tanks to be pumped at least once every three (3) years.

 

The plan does not recommend anything other than a septic tank pumping program.  No township-wide or village-center public sewage collection, treatment and/or disposal system is recommended.  Since there is no public sewer proposed, user rates are not applicable to the selected alternative.  The plan considered several public options for the villages however they did not meet the affordability criteria.

 

On August 31, 2026, the plan was submitted to the Berks County Planning office for a 60-day review and comment period.  This also begins a public comment period through September 30, 2026, during which residents are encouraged to review the plan and provide comments.  Residents may schedule a time to view a physical copy by calling 610-756-6452 and leaving a message.   The Plan may also be viewed by appointment at the office of Alfred Benesch & Company, 400 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, PA. Please contact Cheryl Bolich at 570-622-4055 or cbolich@benesch.com to schedule an appointment.

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At the close of the review and comment period, the Plan will be adopted by the Township (with public comment documentation) and submitted to DEP for evaluation and approval.  This submission is anticipated to occur in November 2026.  DEP review is expected to be approximately 180 days.  Following DEP approval, the implementation schedule contained in the Plan must be followed.

If the selected alternative of a township-wide on-lot sewage management program is approved by DEP, the Township will be required to adopt and enforce an On-lot Sewage Management Program Ordinance, establishing three (3) pumping districts with rotating schedules.  This is anticipated for Summer 2027.  Those on-lot systems in the first pumping district will then have one year from adoption to have their tank inspected and pumped.  Details on the specific pumping districts, schedules and procedures will be communicated when the ordinance is adopted.

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Sewage Enforcement Officer:

LTL Consultants, Ltd.

PO Box 241

1 Town Centre Drive

Oley, PA 19547

610-987-9290

888-987-8886 (toll free)

610-987-9288 (fax)​