Pocono News Section

New Treatment Plant for Jersey Shore

New Treatment Plant for Jersey Shore - Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 3:55PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Jun 9, 2009 @ 03:55pm EST
Jersey Shore, Lycoming County-

A new wastewater treatment plant is in the works in one part of Lycoming County. And the public seems to be just as split as the Jersey Shore borough council over the plan.

With council deadlocked in a 4-4 tie, Jersey Shore Mayor Mark Lehman cast the deciding vote in favor building a new sewage treatment plant. That new plant would be built outside Jersey Shore’s flood zone.

People we spoke with Tuesday were also split on whether the $15 million project is necessary.

D. L. Gotschall, of Jersey Shore, believes the project is worthwhile. “Because they keep putting money into the old one,” he noted.

Vincent Indelicarto, also of Jersey Shore, said, “The numbers probably aren’t that bad except that people really can’t afford it right now with the economy the way it is.”

Council members who voted in favor of building the new treatment plant cited concerns about the age of the current facility and its location in a very flood-prone area.

The other option was to spend $5.5 million upgrading the current plant.

Gotschall believes council made the right choice. “Well you’ll get it out of the flood area. It’s a good idea,” he said.

But others worry that area seniors won’t be able to afford the higher bills many expect to come along with the new plant.

Indelicarto explained, “With all the other added expenses they have from this government, I really don’t think they should keep tapping out older people.”

Most believe it’s a good project that just came up at a bad time. They hope it will pay off in the long run.

Indelicarto added, “I think the people, if you’re going to make them be a part of this, then they should get their money back on it.”

The new treatment plant will help Jersey Shore get into compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Initiative. Council members are seeking PennVest funding to help with the costs of the project.