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Archbald Receives Grant to Improve Sewer System

Release Date: 5/31/2001
Contact Information: Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $483,950 grant to the Borough of Archbald, Pa., Lackawanna County for sewer upgrades that will prevent raw sewage from backing up into residential basements and from flowing into the streets and the Lackawanna River.

“Combined sewer systems are a major cause of water pollution problems in many older communities nationwide. EPA believes that projects like this will improve water quality and living conditions, making for a healthier environment and better quality of life,” said Thomas C. Voltaggio, acting regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The project, which will benefit about 560 residents, will replace a portion of the combined sewer system with separate sanitary and storm sewers on Academy Street and Wayne Street.

The improvements will reduce sewer overflows to the Lackawanna River and eliminate backup of raw sewage into the basements of homes in the area, thus eliminating health hazards associated with exposure to raw sewage. These overflows occurred during heavy rains and snow melts, which created extreme inflow problems at the Archbald Wastewater Treatment plant.

The grant will pay for 55 percent of the estimated $879,909 project, and the borough will pay for the balance with local funds and other grants.