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EPA awards $1.8 million to Jefferson Township to help upgrade sewer system

Release Date: 9/22/2004
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $1,775,500 grant to the Jefferson Township Sewer Authority, Lackawanna County, Pa. to help replace residential septic tanks with a new collection and interceptor sewage treatment system.

Septic systems used by Jefferson Township residents have been malfunctioning, which can degrade water quality in local streams and lakes and create a public health hazard.

“Elimination of failing septic tanks improves water quality while protecting public health. This grant to the Jefferson Township Sewer Authority will provide the community with a safer and more efficient public sewer system,” said Donald S. Welsh, administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The township is under a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection consent order to construct the new system because the area is not suitable for septic tanks due to steep slopes and improper soil. In addition to the EPA grant, the township is using a Pennsylvania Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and local funds to help pay for the project. Construction is about 99 percent complete.

The grant will pay about 10 percent of the estimated $15 million project cost.

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