The Boroughs Sanitary Sewer System was constructed in the 1920s 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.
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. The 2019 Sewer project focuses on the West Avenue drainage basin. 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.
In 2018 Jenkintown Borough was awarded grant funding in the amount of $390,784 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund this project. This 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. 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 the end of 2019. During the course of this work, residents will be given one week notice if/when there will be a temporary disruption to sewer service to a residence or business, this notice will include 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 included on this years project are shown below:
(Announcements and notifications of specific street schedules will be provided)
- Cedar Street between Harper Avenue and Washington Lane
- Walnut Street between Washington Lane and Mather Road
- Mather Road between Walnut Street and Wyncote Road
- Wyncote Road between Washington Lane and Mather Road
- Vernon Road between Homestead Road and Washington Lane
- Cottman Street between Homestead Road and Nice Avenue
- Newbold Road between Homestead Road and Clement Road
- West Avenue between Walnut Street and Greenwood Avenue
- York Road at the intersection of Madeira Avenue
- Washington Lane between Newbold Road and Pear Street
- Washington Lane between Wyncote Road and Township Line
- Township Line between Washington Lane and Summit Avenue
- Greenwood Avenue between York Road and Washington Lane
- York Road between Harper Avenue and Washington Lane
- York Road between Homestead Road and West Avenue
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 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 please contact Borough Hall at (215) 885-0700.