The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee chaired by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) held an informational meeting to review the current state of Pennsylvania's water and wastewater infrastructure needs and issues.

Witnesses from private and public companies and authorities with responsibilities for providing drinking water and wastewater treatment services and environmental groups provided comments to the Committee.

The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association noted the state has a backlog of over $8.1 billion in wastewater treatment projects alone. While the need for funding has grown, state and federal revenue sources “have dried up” to provide these services.

The Association recommended the state provide grants, rather than loans, for projects to improve infrastructure and underscored the need for the $250 million bond issue passed by voters in the Spring to provide water and sewage system funding. That funding, the Association said, should not be tied just to economic development projects.

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development, which represents the 10 county region around Pittsburgh, said there is a pressing need for funding to replace or upgrade over 30,000 on-lot septic systems that are failing or provide no treatment at all for household sewage. They supported a regional approach to deal with water infrastructure problems by sharing innovations, advocating for state and federal funding and targeting development sites.

The York Water Company, representing private water companies, said water systems should be self-sustaining and supported by their own ratepayers and local sources rather than by taxpayers. They should also have plans for both maintenance and growth of their systems. However, changing federal and state requirements put pressure on systems. Preference should be given in government funding to companies and communities who do the necessary planning.

The Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority urged Committee members to act promptly on legislation to distribute the $250 million bond issue for infrastructure improvements approved by voters in the Spring.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation encouraged members to adopt legislation to distribute the $250 million bond issue approved this Spring that includes these provisions: the installation of Nutrient Reduction Technology (NRT) at sewage treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; the elimination of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) at Pennsylvania sewage treatment plants; the promotion of infrastructure development that is consistent with principles of “Smart Growth,” and preserves farmland and open space; and the support of infrastructure that is consistent with local ordinances and County Comprehensive plans, and planning tools such as local sewage facilities plans.

Senate Bill 1102 (Gordner-R-Columbia) and House Bill 2690 (Weber-R-Montgomery) are currently vehicles for distributing the $250 million bond issue funds.

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Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania

Air & Waste Management Association

Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals

Society of Women Environmental Professionals - Philadelphia   Harrisburg

10/1/2004