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Borough wastewater staff outline permit delays, rising operating costs and several 2026 capital projects
Summary
Staff described Goose Creek and Taylor Run plants, pending permit limits, projected operating cost changes, and proposed capital items including an electrical substation rebuild and centrifuge procurement.
Wastewater staff provided a detailed briefing to the Public Works Committee on Sept. 9 about plant operations, regulatory status and capital needs for 2026.
The department operates two treatment plants. Staff said the Goose Creek facility, built in 1988, is an aerobic plant with a hydraulic design capacity of 1,860,000 gallons per day and is still awaiting an updated permit; “The new parameters are known, just not the final limits and when the permit will be issued,” the presentation said. Taylor Run, built in 1984, is an anaerobic plant with design capacity of 1,800,000 gallons per day and is in the second year of its five-year permit.
Staff described collection-system configuration and said the department operates on an eight-hour workday with 24-hour monitoring and laboratory accreditation through the state program. The department said it is fully staffed for current operations and is not requesting additional employees at this time.
On revenue and grants, staff said two industrial discharge users (a hospital and another named account) are predicted to increase charges 25% between them in 2026, and that grant revenue will add to the sewer fund: staff said the sewer fund is expected to receive $750,000 for various projects in ’26. Operating-cost pressures include a projected 24% increase in aluminum sulfate (to meet phosphorus controls on the new permit), a 255% increase in grit removal costs related to a deep cleanout at Goose Creek, and a 23% rise in heating oil costs; polymer usage expenses are expected to drop roughly 60% as process changes occur.
Capital work outlined for 2026 includes procurement and installation of new electrical equipment at the Goose Creek substation (delivery delays pushed some equipment to February 2026), centrifuge procurement and installation, the Maple Alley sanitary sewer upgrade (waiting for permit approvals), a backup pump purchase for two pumping stations and driveway milling and repaving at Taylor Run. Staff told the committee they would request reallocation of carryover funds into the 2025 capital fund to complete several delayed projects.
Why it matters: Permit limits, equipment renewal and wastewater-quality upgrades are time-sensitive and can affect operating costs and grant/loan eligibility.
Next steps: Staff asked finance to ensure carryover is explicitly spelled out in the budget so funding is not lost, said they will pursue required permits and clarified that certain procurement and delivery schedules extend into 2026. No staffing changes were requested at this meeting.
