Residents press board on water hook‑ups and wells as Route 11 restoration proceeds

BAJSA representative Ernest Ashbridge III told the Salem Township Board of Supervisors on March 24 that BAJSA is re‑advertising four openings at the plant and that American Water Services (AWS) is purchasing a new centrifuge for BAJSA. Ashbridge asked the board to add language to the township’s waterline ordinance requiring wells be filled once a customer connects to public water.

Later in public comment, Robert Olack asked about hookup requirements and costs; board members said the ordinance requires properties within 150 feet of a waterline to hook up but that supervisors did not have final cost figures and, citing the solicitor, indicated homeowners would not be responsible for an unspecified cost (details still being worked out). Mrs. Olack asked why Beach Haven was getting a waterline and was told PA American Water requires a certain number of customers to avoid stagnation.

Separately, the board authorized contractor Don E. Bower to do Route 11 waterline restoration during overnight hours (7:00 PM–7:00 AM) and approved purchasing two hydrant adaptors for the Mocanaqua Fire Company to outfit new hydrants along Route 11 and Beach Haven.

Minutes record the BAJSA request but do not show any ordinance change; at the meeting staff informed Mr. Olack that a requirement to fill wells after hookup is not in the current ordinance. The board recorded that township staff and the engineer had contacted AWS about a manhole discharge near Bell Bend reported by a resident. No formal vote was taken on ordinance language during the session.