Millheim to submit DEP corrective action plan after Chapter 94 findings; equalization tank permitting underway

Millheim officials told council on June 9 that the borough must submit a single corrective action plan (CAP) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection by July 17, 2026. The requirement follows the 2025 Chapter 94 Report, which showed an organic overload at the wastewater treatment plant, and subsequent DEP correspondence that identified additional issues including the lack of composite sampling and the need to investigate high flows entering the collection system.

Consultant Rettew is preparing the WQM Part II permit application for a proposed 131,000-gallon equalization tank and expected to have the final application ready the week of June 15, 2026. Rettew also offered support for temporary frac tanks to manage flows until the permanent tank is permitted and constructed. Borough staff reported that Robinson hauled sludge to Bellefonte due to higher stormwater volumes; operations staff said the inflow increase may be caused by downspouts and sump pumps draining into storm sewers—conduct that the minutes note would violate borough ordinance and increase treatment loads.

Council directed staff and consultants to prepare the required CAP and increase influent sampling frequency as part of interim controls. The CAP due date recorded in the minutes is July 17, 2026.