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Regional sewer authority outlines $85M bio‑solids project and ongoing revenue dispute with borough
Summary
The University Area Joint Authority reported progress on an $84–$85 million anaerobic digester/bio‑solids facility expected to deliver biogas revenue and regional processing capacity; the authority also said it is owed about $4.6 million in a dispute with State College Borough that may require court resolution.
Mark Conungle, the township’s representative to the University Area Joint Authority (UAJ), briefed the Board of Supervisors on March 17 about two major sewer‑authority items: a large bio‑solids project nearing operation and a continuing financial dispute with State College Borough.
Conungle described the bio‑solids (anaerobic digester and sludge) project as an ~$84–$85 million capital undertaking expected to be online in mid‑April. The facility will accept sludge from surrounding authorities and process food waste under new contracts; Conungle said the expected outputs include renewable “green gas” that could generate roughly $500,000 in annual revenue for the authority, a sum that may stabilize or reduce rates for ratepayers.
Separately, Conungle said UAJ is owed about $4.6 million in lost revenue, interest and penalties in a dispute with State College Borough tied to interpretations of the municipality blending code or the Municipal Authorities Act. Mediation has not resolved the issue, and Conungle said the authority hopes the courts will ultimately resolve the question.
Conungle invited board members to tour the UAJ facility after the project is online and suggested a future presentation by UAJ executive director Corey Miller to explain operation and outputs to the public and the board.
