Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority discussed pending Pennsylvania Senate Bill 597, also known as the Water Quality Accountability Act, during its June 17 meeting.

In introducing the issue, Attorney Andrew Schantz said there is local opposition to this bill, which introduces legislation that will supposedly implement uniform safety, security and quality standards for all water and wastewater suppliers. Whitehall Township, Coplay Borough and other municipalities have reportedly sent letters opposing the passage since Pennsylvania has had no breaches in safety, security or quality standards. The opposition feels an additional authority is unnecessary.

In other business, CWSA General Manager Dave Harleman said bids are in for the joint 2021 CWSA/Salisbury Township lining project. The low bid is $104,000, won by Insituform Technologies.

Fourteen main segments are to be lined. The sewer mains to be lined are where known problems exist. The motion to approve was unanimously made by the board.

Mark Buchvalt, with T&M Engineering, which is working with CWSA on the Northampton-Cementon Bridge project, reported he attended a meeting with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation May 26 to coordinate all parties. PennDOT has extended CWSA’s deadline until the end of September. Final agreements are extended until Nov. 26. Penn-DOT will begin seeking project bids in April 2022.

Chairman John Schreiner mentioned CWSA needs a voting delegate for the upcoming PMAA conference in State College. Joseph Marx was nominated and accepted. The conference will be Aug. 29-Sept 1.