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LEWISTOWN -- Lewistown Borough faces a challenge beneath its streets.
The town's aging sewage infrastructure, a network of pipes and treatment facilities dating back decades, struggles to keep pace with the growing community's needs.
Now, a $1 million loan from the county aims to change this.
On July 3, Mifflin County Commissioners approved a zero-interest loan to Lewistown Borough for a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of its public sewage system.
The loan, payable over 10 years with annual installments of $100,000, marks a significant investment in the borough's future.
Jim Lettiere, Mifflin County's Planning Director, emphasized the loan's importance.
"This funding will enable Lewistown to modernize its sewage infrastructure, ensuring it can meet the demands of our expanding community," he said.
The urgency of this project became apparent in the summer of 2022, when Digester No. 1, the primary digester at Lewistown's wastewater treatment plant, ceased operations. This critical component, responsible for treating 50% of the sludge in the system, left the borough relying on two smaller digesters, each capable of handling only 25% of the load.
Kim Zimmerman, Lewistown Borough manager, described the current state of repairs.
"We've removed the roof from Digester No. 1, and contractors are working to clear the remaining sludge from the bottom," he said. "This will allow us to identify the issue, conduct necessary repairs, clean the tank, and install a new roof."
But the digester represents only one part of a larger problem. Lewistown's sewage system faces ongoing issues with infiltration and inflow, where groundwater and stormwater enter the sanitary sewer system through cracks, leaks, or improper connections. This influx of additional water overburdens the treatment plant and leads to sewer system overflows at specific manholes within the borough.
These sewer system overflows result in monetary fines from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and increase operating costs at the wastewater treatment plant, as the extra water must be treated like all sanitary waste.
To address these issues, the borough has launched a multi-pronged approach. Zimmerman outlined the ongoing efforts: "We're focusing on both sanitary and stormwater lines. This includes slip-lining projects, installing new pumps and updated flow meters, cleaning and inspecting sanitary lines, conducting smoke tests, and checking downflow spouts throughout the borough."
The benefits of these improvements extend beyond avoiding fines and reducing operating costs. By eliminating infiltration and inflow and preventing sewer system overflows, the upgraded system will enhance environmental protection, safeguard public health, and support sustainable growth in Lewistown.
While the scale of the project might suggest potential disruptions to daily life in Lewistown, Zimmerman assured residents this won't be the case.
"The work is ongoing, and we don't anticipate any significant interruptions to service," he said. "We'll keep the public informed of anything of interest as the project progresses."
The $1 million loan from Mifflin County comes with strict oversight and accountability measures. The subrecipient agreement between the county and borough outlines detailed fiscal responsibilities, record-keeping requirements, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Under the agreement, Lewistown Borough will oversee all engineering and management aspects of the project. The county will reimburse the borough for actual costs incurred, excluding administrative expenses. This arrangement ensures efficient use of funds while maintaining local control over the project's execution.
The agreement also includes provisions for progress reports, allowing the county to monitor the project's advancement. Lewistown Borough must furnish the county with status reports, activity accounts, and other relevant information throughout the project's duration.
While the loan term extends to Dec. 31, 2025, the agreement acknowledges the potential need for extensions, given the project's complexity and scope. This flexibility recognizes the unpredictable nature of large-scale infrastructure projects and allows for adjustments as needed.
The sewage system upgrade aligns with broader efforts to modernize Lewistown's infrastructure. As the borough works to enhance its wastewater management capabilities, it simultaneously addresses other critical needs.
This sewage infrastructure project represents more than just pipes and treatment facilities. It embodies Lewistown's commitment to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and public health. By investing in its underground infrastructure, the borough lays the groundwork for future economic development and improved quality of life for its residents.
As work continues on Digester No. 1 and throughout the sewage system, Lewistown moves closer to a more resilient and efficient future. The $1 million loan serves as a catalyst for change, enabling the borough to address long-standing issues and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
The project's success will depend on the continued collaboration between borough officials, county leadership, and the community. As Lewistown embarks on this infrastructure overhaul, residents can look forward to a more robust, reliable, and environmentally friendly sewage system.
The road ahead for Lewistown's sewage system upgrade will likely present challenges. Unforeseen issues may arise as workers delve deeper into the existing infrastructure. However, the framework established by the county loan and the borough's comprehensive planning provides a solid foundation for addressing these obstacles.
In the coming months and years, Lewistown residents may notice subtle changes: fewer incidents of sewage backups, reduced flooding during heavy rains, and perhaps even lower utility costs as the system becomes more efficient. These improvements, while not always visible, will contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
As Lewistown Borough continues its work on this critical infrastructure project, it moves closer to ensuring a sustainable future for its residents. The $1 million sewage system upgrade represents not just an investment in pipes and treatment facilities but in the very foundation of the community's health, economic vitality, and environmental responsibility.