Lower Pottsgrove Authority says DEP approval for 400 new EDUs expected as Pottstown costs push O&M higher

The Lower Pottsgrove Township Authority said Oct. 14 it expects a Department of Environmental Protection approval letter for 400 additional equivalent dwelling units, a move that would bring the system’s total capacity to 486 EDUs.Engineer Fred Ebert told the board that DEP staff changes — including the retirement of David Burke — shifted coordination to Kelly Sweeney and Tom Magge, and that Sweeney is drafting the approval letter for the 400 EDUs.Manager Edward C. Wagner said the EDU increase is welcome, but he warned the Authority faces higher operating costs tied to Pottstown’s wastewater expenses. Wagner said operation and maintenance costs that were about $620,000 in 2021 are projected at roughly $1.122 million for 2025, creating an approximate $72,000 shortfall in the operations portion of the draft budget.Facing high chemical costs, Ebert and Wagner discussed capital options to reduce O&M spending. Ebert said polymer and liquid chlorine costs have risen and suggested renting a belt filter press — he cited a $150,000 annual rental quote — which could reduce chemical use (Ebert described a potential drop from “a tote a day to a tote a week”). Pottstown officials, Wagner said, will investigate that option and meet with Lower Pottsgrove staff at the wastewater treatment plant to review expenses after Pottstown declined a line‑by‑line remote review.Ebert also presented operational data: September 2024 flows were 26,288,445 gallons, down from 56,769,000 gallons in September 2023. He reported 115 laterals inspected in 2024, with 30 requiring repair, a 26% repair rate.The board did not take a formal vote on the CAP approval at the meeting; Ebert said he expects the DEP approval letter imminently. The Authority plans further budget discussions in the coming weeks as staff and the engineer review options to reduce ongoing chemical and treatment costs.