The Borough’s Sanitary Sewer System was constructed in the 1920’s and includes approximately 10 miles of pipes and 350 manholes. The Borough sewage is conveyed through Cheltenham Township and is treated in the Philadelphia Water & Sewage plant. The PAdep is the regulatory agency that oversees all sanitary sewage and related activities. The Borough continues to repair and improve the existing system to meet State and Federal regulations. This year (2017) the Borough has completed the required repairs to seven of the eight known deficiencies to the sanitary sewer system that require excavation to repair.
In 2015, Jenkintown Borough televised portions of our sanitary sewer systems to determine sources of I&I (Infiltration and Inflow). All televised inspections were completed in accordance with the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) standards.
Jenkintown Borough then commissioned Pennoni Associates Inc. to review the inspection report and videos available to evaluate the condition of the sanitary sewer mains and complete a final Sanitary Sewer Evaluation & Recommendation Report to allow for the Borough to address the deficiencies in the system.
This report estimated repairs to the entire sanitary sewer main system in excess of $500,000. At this time, Jenkintown Borough is looking to focus on and rehabilitate two of the three drainage basins within the Borough that are experiencing occasional exceedances; specifically, the Runnymede Avenue and West Avenue drainage basins. Rehabilitation methods include spot repairs, cured in place pipe (CIPP) lining, root control and grouting. This project does not require excavation and all repairs are expected to be performed underground and from inside the sanitary sewer system.
On March 29th, 2017 Jenkintown Borough was awarded $150,000 of the requested $300,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. This Grant, PA Small Water and Sewer Program Grant, was designed to involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair or rehabilitation of a water supply or sanitary sewer system which is owner and maintained by the Municipality. This grant requires a 15% match of Borough funds. The combined grant and match of approximately $172,500 is expected to cover 100% of the approved construction project. These repairs will significantly reduce the Infiltration and Inflow (I&I), and help further alleviate the requirements set forth by outside agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The Borough has contracted with National Water Main Cleaning Company, who was the lowest, responsible bidder. National Water Main Cleaning Company will be repairing the sewer mains utilizing a cast in place liner (CIPP) method. All sanitary sewer mains within the scope of this project will be cleaned and specific deficiencies identified. The grouting and lining are slated to begin in November and is scheduled to be completed by early 2018. During the course of this work, there will be a temporary disruption of sewer service to your residence or business for approximately 8 hours.
Residents will be given one week notice of when the work will be done on their street with instructions for water use restrictions on the day of installation. Workers will also place door hangers on the resident’s doors 24 hours prior to the work commencing. Please note that the liner will temporarily emit a chemical smell during installation. PLEASE DO NOT BECOME ALARMED; THIS IS NORMAL.
To avoid the possibility of flows backing up into your property during this period, you will be asked to please limit all liquids from going down your drains and do not use washing machines or dishwashers. Failure to follow these instructions may cause your discharge to backup into your property.
If you have a sump pump that discharges into the sewer, it must be disconnected during our installation process and is not permitted to be reconnected as discharging ground water in to the sanitary sewer is not permitted within Jenkintown Borough and the State of Pennsylvania.
The streets that will be affected are mainly on the East side of town and are shown below:
- York Road between Rydal Road and Homestead Road
- Vista Road between York Road and Vernon Road
- Vernon Road between Homestead Road and Rydal Road
- Rydal Road between York Road and Newbold Road
- Clement Road between Vernon Road and Rydal Road
- Newbold Road between Homestead Road and Rydal Road
The Borough is eager for this work to be completed and is enthusiastic that it will help reduce the Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) throughout the east side of town. Reducing I&I saves money on treatment costs and provides for additional sanitary sewer capacity allowing for future or proposed business connections.
Should you have any questions or concerns on this project or any matter please contact Borough Hall at (215) 885 – 0700.