In his report to the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority Board Feb. 21, General Manager David Harleman reported on a fuel oil spill that occurred Jan. 23 in Egypt.

"We got a report from the fire department that a fuel oil tank collapsed at a private residence in Egypt and that some of the fuel oil flowed into the basement floor drain," said Harleman.

According to Harleman, crews were immediately dispatched and absorption pillows were placed in the manholes near the property.

"Everyone is going to be involved in this one, the fuel oil contractor and the homeowner," said Harleman.

CWSA billed the homeowner for $2,700 in costs. Neither the homeowner nor the homeowner's insurance company has responded to the invoice.

"We aren't asking for anything other than the costs we incurred trying to keep this spill from spreading," said board member John Carpenter.

Board chairman John Schreiner asked Solicitor Jack Stover if the delay would cause a problem.

"We always see a lot of problems with these fuel oil spills," said Stover, "But we have two years to collect on the bill."

Stover will continue to monitor the situation and work with the homeowner and the insurance company.

According to Harleman, no adverse effects from the spill were reported by the Allentown wastewater treatment plant.