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Summary
In late 2020, the Authority authorized KPI to conduct a detailed review of the hydraulic efficiency of the South Plant’s post‑equalization and UV disinfection systems. This study identified several hydraulic challenges, prompting KPI to evaluate a range of feasible alternatives to improve flow management and system performance. After researching potential solutions and discussing them with our Long Range Planning Committee, a comprehensive improvement plan was developed. The estimated project cost was set at $1,045,575, which includes the Digester Conversion component added during project refinement.
Permitting and planning began in 2021, and in April 2022, the Digester Conversion was formally incorporated into the project scope. To support the work, the Authority applied for grant funding in December 2022 and successfully secured an LSA grant for the project. The project advanced to procurement with bidding released in November 2024, and construction officially began in May 2025.
This multi‑year effort strengthens the South Plant’s treatment reliability, improves hydraulic performance, and modernizes critical disinfection infrastructure to support long‑term operational sustainability.
Updates
The South Plant Post‑Equalization and UV System Project reached substantial completion in January 2026, marking a major milestone in improving treatment reliability and hydraulic performance. A majority of the project costs were covered by the awarded LSA grant, significantly reducing the financial impact on the Authority and its ratepayers. Final close‑out activities and system optimization are now underway as the upgraded facilities move into full operation.
Pictures
 Added height to the basin for increased capacity. |
 New stairs for easier access with the additional height. |
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 UV disinfection system. |
 More of the UV system. |
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Summary
The Sludge Press Project adds an important new dewatering step to our wastewater treatment process. This press removes additional water from the biosolids produced during treatment, creating a drier, more manageable material and significantly reducing the volume that must be handled, transported, or disposed of.
This added step also helps address growing challenges with land application, which has become increasingly difficult in our current operational setup. Rising hauling costs, limited availability of approved agricultural land, seasonal restrictions, and stricter regulatory requirements have all made it harder to rely on land application as our primary method of sludge management. These constraints not only increase expenses, but also create logistical hurdles and uncertainties in scheduling and long‑term planning.
By integrating the sludge press into our existing system we’re improving efficiency, reducing dependence on land‑application options, and strengthening the overall reliability of our sludge‑handling process. This project supports environmental compliance, cost control, and long‑term sustainability for the authority and the community we serve.
Updates
The Sludge Press Project has reached several key milestones as we move toward full implementation. Preliminary engineering is now complete, giving us a solid technical foundation and confirming that the proposed dewatering system integrates effectively with our existing treatment process.
To further validate performance, a pilot study was scheduled for April 8th, during which the press was tested under real operating conditions. The results will help refine design parameters, confirm expected efficiencies, and provide the data needed to finalize system sizing and layout.
In parallel with the technical work, we are actively pursuing funding to support project construction. Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) applications have been submitted to both of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators, and we have also submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a Local Share Account (LSA) grant. These requests aim to secure a combination of federal and state funding to reduce the financial burden on our ratepayers and help move the project into the next phase.
With engineering completed, the pilot test completed, and funding applications underway, the project is well‑positioned to advance into detailed design and, ultimately, construction.
Pictures
 The auger sending the finished product out the chute and into the dumpster. |
 The chute into the dumpster! The final product has the consistency of soil. |
 Sludge press on the truck for our pilot study. |
 The press part of the press. |
Summary
Cumberland Village Phase 2B - New pump station installed, permits being purchased and inspections completed regularly.
Table Rock Terrace - Permits purchased and work has begun.
North Ridge Senior Living Center - Permits purchased.
Pictures
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 Rear view of new pump station at Cumberland Village. |
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