On Tuesday Supervisor Chairman Glenn Johnston stated that there are obvious areas in the township that show big differences during dry and wet weather flow tests. The issue is similar to one discussed at a recent Clearfield Borough Council meeting: water is getting into the sewer lines, either through seepage or from residents tied onto the lines with sump pumps, downspouts or floor drains. The water then travels to the Clearfield Municipal Authority’s treatment plant. This causes issues, such as that water then flowing into the river. This then raises the ire of DEP. Johnston said the additional water from roof drains and sump pumps can triple or quadruple the flow to the treatment plant.
Johnston said the township has to pay for the additional water treatment. He added that if DEP levies a fine, the township will have to pay for that as well. He said investigating where the water is originating from will also be costly and time consuming.
“We must take care of the problem,” said Johnston. “It’s not fare to other taxpayers.”
To that end, Johnston suggested the township’s solicitor look into drafting an ordinance giving the township the ability to fine those residents who have added to the infiltration problem.
“I’d like to see this handled,” said Supervisor Ed Brown. He suggested the fines be such they encourage the homeowner/property owner to fix the infiltration problem. “It has to be a substantial fine.”
Brown also suggested giving people time to fix the problem after being notified they’re getting a fine. Johnston agreed, adding that maybe if the property owner takes care of the problem, a portion of the fine is waived.
The supervisors agreed, sending the issue to their solicitor.