Sewer

The Amity Township Waste Water Treatment Plan (WWTP) continues to be an important investment since the $3.1 million expansion/upgrade. Extension of existing lines and the addition of pumping stations has increased the service area to reach the far northern end of the Township. The Township has undertaken improving the lines in the Park Lane area to service eastern and southern areas of the Township. A new interceptor line was installed from Monocacy Creek Road up to Valley Road to service Bel Air Estates and Valley Road residents as well as future development in the new professional business office zoning district. Another interceptor line was constructed to alleviate flows along SR 662.  We also have ongoing I&I, force main and pump station maintenance and upgrades.  In order to fund these projects, the Township refinanced existing bonds and borrowed additional funds.  This unfortunately necessitated several rate increases over the last few years.  While this may seem excessive, Amity’s rates are relatively low when compared to surrounding municipalities.

WWTP employees are responsible for the maintenance of the plant, nine pumping stations, 65 miles of sewer lines, 7 miles of wooded area, stream crossings and rights-of-ways. Each year the reed beds used to process aerobic sludge must be harvested and disposed of at a landfill and a new crop planted. Current staffing at the plant consists of the Plant Superintendent, Randolph Maguire; Plant Operator, Thomas Orrs; Jeff Levan, James Bingaman, Michael Zomolsky, Michael Thompson and Jerry Dilks. All routine maintenance is handled daily, as well as most repairs to the plant and pump equipment. The staff is also cross-trained to assist with winter seasonal operations of the entire Township. Several employees carry CDL licenses and assist the Road Crew in plowing and cindering Township roads.

Acquisition of a new camera and computer system and flush truck all WWTP employees to clean lines and televise lines to determine breaks or blockages. Given the age of some of the existing lines, constant inflow and infiltration is monitored annually. This monitoring of the collection system will identify areas where storm water is entering the system. After identifying leaks and their source, re-grouting and repairs to manholes and collection lines are made. Annually the Board of Supervisors prepares a budget which provides for priority status to be given to existing lines for repair.