Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Heritage of Green Hills urges board to delay support for AquaPA treatment relocation
Summary
The Heritage of Green Hills asked Cumru commissioners to withhold support for Aqua PA's proposed relocation of a water-treatment facility onto Heritage property, citing visual, easement and environmental concerns and requesting full engineering plans before the township signs any support.
Doug Walther, executive director of the Heritage of Green Hills, told the board Aqua PA is proposing to relocate a water-treatment facility and expansion of an existing easement onto Heritage property, and that Heritage has not provided approval. Walther said the plan appears to include a roughly 1,000-gallon chlorine tank and large water lines that would affect the driveway, visibility and vulnerable residents on the property; he said Heritage has hired its own engineering firm and wants more information before any approvals are given. "We would ask you not to support the project at this time as we get more clarity and understanding of the breadth of it," Walther told the commissioners.
Township staff and counsel responded that Aqua PA, as a public utility, has a different regulatory posture than a private developer and must still submit land-development plans and comply with ordinances governing stormwater, easements and right-of-way impacts. Kelsey, speaking for township counsel/administration, cautioned "we don't have that much influence because they are a public utility," adding the township can still require compliance with local ordinances for stormwater and pursue fair compensation for property impacts. Board members said they want formal plans and environmental details (including any analysis of PFAS/"forever chemicals") before considering a letter of support or other action.
Board action: commissioners did not vote for or against the project; they agreed to request Aqua's formal submittal and to withhold any endorsement or letter of support until land-development plans and environmental/visual impact details are provided and reviewed by staff and the Heritage's advisers.
Why it matters: utility siting decisions affect neighboring properties, environmental risk perceptions and easement rights. Heritage leaders and residents asked the township to ensure the utility's plans are fully transparent and evaluated through the township's land-development and permitting process before any administrative support is offered.
The board said staff will notify members when Aqua files land-development plans and will continue dialogue with both the Heritage and Aqua representatives.
