West Goshen gets grant to upgrade sewer treatment plant

WEST GOSHEN » State Rep. Eric Roe, R-158, announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority met and approved a $220,000 grant to make aerator basin improvements at the wastewater treatment plant located in West Goshen Township.

“It’s critical to care for our environment by pursuing system enhancements to improve sustainability. However, even though it’s the right thing to do to make those changes, they typically aren’t cheap,” Roe said. “When it’s possible to make changes to be more environmentally friendly at a discounted cost – especially when it comes at a cost savings to consumers – we can all agree.”

West Goshen Sewer Authority will update its wastewater treatment plant to a more sustainable and green plant, which will lower power and chemical consumption. Variable frequency drives will be installed on each of the three 125-horse-power positive displacement blowers replacing the outdated, inefficient dual-speed blowers.

“These improvements will enhance operations and sustainability, as well as meet new nutrient reduction limits set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” Roe added. “This is especially important since the West Goshen Sewer Authority treats approximately 5 million gallons of raw sewage from five municipalities including West Goshen, East Goshen, West Whiteland, Westtown and Thornbury townships each day.”

New dissolved oxygen sensors and motor-operated valves will be installed in each of the four aeration tanks to automatically control airflow to the tanks using a new remote terminal unit. A new control panel for the system, as well as associated electrical work, will be installed. Repairs will be made to existing 16-inch diffused air piping, which is more than 50 years old. Handrails will be replaced for safety purposes.

In reducing the overall electrical usage, operation costs will be reduced to the residents of the five townships connected to the system.

The total project cost is $324,892.

The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program offers grants for small water and sewer infrastructure projects and can be used to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply or sanitary sewer system.

Established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth, the CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.