Plant Manager David Harleman detailed a problem with a sewer line along Tapler and Ruch streets during the Feb. 21 Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority meeting.

"The existing problem is a backup in lateral lines serving 3124 Ruch St. and 3130 Ruch St. and that requires that we are over there jetting the lines to keep them clear," said Harleman.

He showed his plan diagrams and said the manner in which the two laterals serving 3124 and 3130 Ruch were constructed is not in keeping with the standard protocol.

"The least expensive way to resolve the problem is to replace the line on Tapler Street," said Harleman. "But we don't know if that will cure all the problems in the area."

The estimated cost for the Tapler Street project is $26,000.

Harleman proposed rebuilding the Ruch Street line and abandoning the line at Tapler Street.

"By redoing Ruch Street, we can get the line deeper and correct the laterals serving the two properties that have problems," he said.

Reworking the Ruch Street line is estimated to cost $49,000.

Harleman cautioned the board that because the construction of the line was unusual, there may be geological conditions that could prove too costly for completing Ruch Street.

The board asked its engineer, Darryl Jenkins, to conduct a preliminary investigation and draw up bid plans for the project.

Jenkins will present his report at the next meeting.

David Royer, councilman for Coplay, noted that Ruch Street is slated to be repaved this year.

Board member Michael Hobel asked Jenkins if the project could be bid at the April board meeting. Jenkins will confirm the bid date after he completes his preliminary analysis.

Harleman also reported that a routine camera inspection of a line in Cementon revealed a pipe collapsed. An emergency excavation was conducted and there was no damage.

"There was a lot of debris in the pipe that we could not get through with our camera feed. But I have no idea where the debris is coming from," said Harleman.

Board member James Roth suggested Harleman check with Whitehall Township to see if any building permits were issued which might cause a problem.

Harleman will continue to investigate.