Authority approves $611,392 payment for North I‑81 sewer extension as residents raise damage and blasting concerns

The Silver Spring Township Authority on June 20 approved Payment #17 of $611,392.32 to PACT ONE, LLC for work and materials on the North I‑81 sewer extension, leaving a contract balance the manager’s memo lists at $1,765,931.10.

The approval came amid public comment from nearby residents who said construction and related activities damaged private property. Mr. and Mrs. David Dupert of 105 N. Locust Lane told the board excavation and subsequent paving connected to the sewer project harmed their yard and pressed the Authority for assurances that any remaining excavation or disturbance will be restored.

Chairman David Weihbrecht said damage caused by the sewer project would be addressed by the Authority’s contractor, and that separate damage from Xfinity/Comcast’s cable work would be the responsibility of Xfinity because its lines were not marked to PA One Call standards and were struck during sewer work and paving activities. Weihbrecht asked staff to pursue appropriate follow‑up with the contractor and to document the Duperts’ concerns.

Another resident, Hays Carson of 15 Oak Avenue, raised concerns about paving installed by the Authority’s contractor. Weihbrecht said outstanding paving issues would be corrected by the contractor "to a like condition or better" and directed staff to inspect roadway areas that may need repair.

A third resident, Zachary Freysinger of 17 Oak Avenue, said cracks have appeared in his basement that he attributes to blasting done before the sewer installation. Weihbrecht instructed staff to review contractor records to determine whether the homeowner was notified and whether a required pre‑blast inspection was conducted at that property; if records exist, staff will compare pre‑blast documentation to the current condition of the basement and foundation.

Authority Engineer William Rudy referenced a June 12 memo from Greg Rogalski that documents continuation of paving in parts of the North I‑81 project area, including Marble Street and Sample Bridge Road. Manager James Stevens’ project‑cost memo supplied to the board shows combined General and Pump Station contracts for North I‑81 at $11,706,965 (contract $8,334,559 plus $2,441,406 in change orders) with $9,994,033.90 paid to date.

The board’s payment vote was recorded as "motion carried"; the motion to approve the $611,392.32 payment originated from David Lenker II and was seconded by Robert Mull.

Next steps: staff will inspect the Duperts’ property and other reported areas, review blasting and contractor records as directed, and continue oversight of contractor paving corrections while the remaining North I‑81 contract balance is paid as work concludes.