(5/21) Carroll Valley leaders suspect residents are improperly draining sump pumps into the borough’s sewer system.
In his monthly report to the Council, Sewer Treatment Plant Operator Jed Fetter stated, "Due to the timing of the flow coming into the plant with the rainfall, it is my speculation that there is a problem with residents having sump pumps tied into the system."
Borough Manager David Hazlett concurred with Fetter’s assessment.
"I think he was kind to say it was speculation," Hazlett said. "We have a significant issue with homes having their sump pumps tied into our sewer system."
Hazlett noted that inspecting homes for the violation would be an unpopular endeavor, but the violations are costing taxpayers money.
"We have to treat every drop of water that comes into our system, whether it came from your home with feces and urine or it was pristine rainwater that was probably clean to begin with," he said.
Hazlett said the borough has unsuccessfully attempted to inform residents of their wrongdoings, but noted a stronger educational campaign is probably necessary.
"The really big thing is to get sump pumps to discharge the way they were intended, which is onto the ground outside the house," he said.
The Borough Council could, Hazlett said, mandate inspections for all homes with a sump pump to ensure the water is being properly discharged. Similar rules exist for homes with septic tanks. Those inspections could be completed by the borough or an approved list of plumbers.
Hazlett said most homeowners could properly reroute their sump pump without hiring a contractor. At the suggestion of Councilman L. Michael Wight, Hazlett said he will research grants that could cover the costs for low-income households unable to complete the project themselves.
"Anyone who is in a tough spot with anything in the borough, we do our darndest to find a way to help them out," Hazlett said.
The borough also experiences problems with residents flushing items down toilets that are not human waste or toilet paper.
Hazlett said if residents do not stop misdirecting their sump pumps or flushing inappropriate items, the borough will be forced to increase sewer rates.
