Emmaus council approves planning revision to allow PFAS treatment facility permit submission

Emmaus Borough Council on Aug. 18 approved Resolution 20-25-23, a planning revision required under the borough's subdivision and land-development rules to allow submission of a planning module to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the Waterworks PFAS treatment facility.

The council discussion was brief. Borough staff explained the resolution is a municipal procedural requirement in order to move the project through state permitting. Council member Anders moved the resolution and Council member Lisonbee seconded; the motion was approved by voice vote with aye recorded.

Borough staff provided a status update during the public works report. Staff said contractors have drilled 20-foot piers, poured footers and concrete walls for equalization tanks and moved substantial earthwork. Staff estimated the project is on target with about 250 days remaining to completion.

The resolution itself does not commit the borough to construction costs; staff and the solicitor told council the vote authorizes the borough to proceed with the planning-module submission process so the state can review the PFAS treatment design. Borough staff emphasized that subsequent cost-allocation discussions and approvals would be required before financial commitments are made.

Council approved the resolution so engineers can move forward with state filings and the borough can continue the permitting process.

Ending: Borough staff said they will continue to take progress photos and bring regulatory submissions forward to DEP following the resolution's adoption.