To the Editor:

I am a rate payer in the [Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority] system. My son and I have been before the CWSA board several times trying to get our sewer problems resolved, but we have not had any substantive results.

My son spent the month of August 2018 dealing with sewage backflows in his basement. On the last occasion, CWSA was called to respond to a severe sewer backflow after a heavy rainstorm. Personnel on site confirmed a sewer backflow. The backflow stopped shortly after the heavy rain stopped.

A camera check by CWSA confirmed that the sewer lateral was not broken but showed age-related cracks. CWSA recommended installing a check valve in the sewer lateral, the line that leads to the house. The check valve allows sewage to flow out but prevents backflow.

I consulted plumbers, who indicated the problem was a CWSA system problem.

My son hired a plumbing contractor to replace his sewer lateral and install two sets of check valves and shut-off valves at a cost of over $11,000. The plumber indicated he installed a similar valve at a neighbor’s house.

The new valves are designed stop the sewer water backflow but restrict water usage during and after rainstorms. No one can flush the toilet during a rainstorm.

I contend that the problem in this section of Whitehall is caused by the sudden inflow of stormwater into the sewer system. The infiltration overwhelms the sewer line and causes a backflow, flooding the basement. We have seen backflows so strong that they push water out the sewer vents and flood the backyard with sewer water.

I believe some of the additional flow is coming from new developments in the area. I am not aware of any other areas of the township where homeowners need to install backflow valves.

I understand that CWSA is under a mandate to reduce stormwater infiltration and that most of the problem areas are resolved. There is a measurable reduction in stormwater infiltration in the system, but the problem still exists at my son’s home.

The CWSA sewer system in my area is also used by South Whitehall via the recently upgraded Jordan Creek interceptor.

My son and I attended the CWSA meeting Sept. 20, 2018. We explained the entire situation. CWSA responded that the situation was limited to our house, and they did agree to investigate.

Contacts were made to South Whitehall and Whitehall public works departments. The authority’s engineer Darryl Jenkins reviewed data.

Three months passed, and there was no proposed solution.

I attended another CWSA meeting. I was told that South Whitehall is working on reducing stormwater infiltration.

CWSA appeared to ignore the problem. Chairman John Schreiner dismissed my concerns as minor problems in the hopes that the problem would go away.

I am required to connect to the public sewer, but it does not serve my needs. What options do I have? Can I go on my own on-lot system so sewer does not back up into my house? Can bigger sewer lines be installed? Is it economically feasible to make the sewer system serving my house functional?

John Faisetty

Whitehall