HARRISBURG, PA — The Northwestern Chester County Municipal Authority is set to receive a significant financial boost, thanks to a $12.6 million loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. State Rep. Dan Williams, who represents the 74th Legislative District, announced the development, emphasizing the loan’s potential long-term savings and environmental benefits.
At present, the municipal authority’s wastewater treatment system struggles to meet ammonia removal limits during winter, despite ongoing efforts to improve treatment operations. This challenge stems from the stringent requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, a critical regulation designed to protect water bodies from harmful pollutants.
The loan will facilitate a substantive upgrade to the current system. Plans include removing the aerated fixed film system from the tertiary lagoons and replacing it with a new moving bed biofilm reactor system. This change is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment, enabling the authority to maintain compliance with its permit requirements.
This investment is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it aims to boost environmental sustainability. The treated wastewater, once processed through the upgraded system, will be discharged into Brandywine Creek. This creek holds the distinction of being designated as a High Quality Waters stream by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Any improvements to the wastewater quality will, therefore, directly contribute to maintaining the health and vitality of this important water body.
Williams underscored the broader benefits of this project, stating, “This project will create long-term savings for the users of the Northwestern Chester County Municipal Authority as it will allow the authority to operate more efficiently.” The loan will not only help rectify the current problems but also pave the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective wastewater management system in the future.
The Northwestern Chester County Municipal Authority serves 1,211 households split between Honey Brook Township and Honey Brook Borough. The proposed upgrades will, therefore, have a direct impact on the lives of these residents, ensuring that they benefit from an efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system.
The $12.6 million loan represents more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in the future of Chester County. By prioritizing critical infrastructure upgrades, the state is taking tangible steps to safeguard its water resources, protect environmental health, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
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