Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority has laid out how it intends to spend $155 million in “upgrades and repairs” in its wastewater system.
The authority has taken out $197.6 million in sewer system revenue bonds for work in the coming years. The bonds for the upgrades to the well-maintained but aging system will lead to rate increases in coming years.
Advertisements
The largest portion of the work will include $60 million to perform “major upgrades” to the Neshaminy Interceptor that transports wastewater from Lower Bucks County to a plant in Philadelphia for treatment.
With more development and population growth in Lower Bucks County, repairs and more capacity to the interceptor are needed.
“The Neshaminy Interceptor needs significant improvements and upgrades to handle the increased flow. The plan is to bypass and replace the 12 miles of aging pipe infrastructure to mitigate inflow and infiltration for both economic and environmental improvements,” according to the authority.
Advertisements
The Neshaminy Interceptor serves customers in Bensalem Township, Falls Township, Bristol Township, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Northampton Township, Middletown Township, Hulmeville Borough Langhorne Borough, and Langhorne Manor Borough.
The authority plans to spend $27 million to conduct telescopic inspection of sewer mains and needed repairs as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Advertisements
Approximately $20 million will be spent for construction of the Green Street upgrade in Doylestown Township and to expand the current wastewater treatment plant.
A total of $15 million will be spent to upgrade the Lambertville wastewater treatment plant. While the plant is located in New Jersey, it processes wastewater from Bucks County that is pumped across the Delaware River.
The Quakertown wastewater treatment facility will cost the authority $15 million to upgrade. The authority expects growth in the area the plant serves.
Advertisements
About $15 million will be used to expand another wastewater treatment plan that serves the system in Doylestown Township, and $2 million will be used to replace outdated pumps in Doylestown Township.
“The long-term reliability and vitality of BCWSA services is entirely dependent on the Authority’s ability to repair, replace and expand the systems’ infrastructure,” said Benjamin Jones, CEO of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. “This is something the authority has done for the last 60 years and plans to continue for at least the next 60 years.”
Advertisements
The news comes in the wake of for-profit Aqua Pennsylvania attempted to purchase the public authority. The move was guaranteed to raise rates and residents and numerous municipalities worried due to Aqua Pennsylvania’s history of increasing rates amid pressure to make a profit for shareholders. The deal fell apart after the Bucks County Commissioners came out against it and residents made their voices heard.
“We heard from our customers and the communities we serve about the importance of maintaining the authority as a public utility. They affirmed our confidence that BCWSA is well equipped to successfully complete a multi-year, multi-million-dollar infrastructure improvement campaign,” said Jones. “Our investments will go beyond just replacing aging pipes and equipment but improve capacities for those we serve, allow for regional growth and create a sustainable future.”
Advertisements
With the needed upgrades, the authority expects rates to raise by 10 percent over the next three years. The rate for wholesale customers will rise about 16 percent.
The new rates will begin showing up on bills this month.
Advertisements
“Water and sewer service is not something most think about except when it’s time to pay the bills,” said Jones. “The infrastructure required to reliably deliver clean water and drain and treat wastewater can be taken for granted – until it doesn’t work. That is why we must make ongoing investments and ensure that we address issues before they occur.”
The authority launched a new website – BCWSAInvestments.org – to provide information on the infrastructure projects.
In the coming years, the authority plans more infrastructure upgrades to its system.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
