The Divers Academy of the Eastern Seaboard Inc., took another step toward opening in Northampton.

The school proposes to offer classroom instruction and diving lessons in an abandoned water-filled quarry in the borough.

Attorney Joseph M. Feeney of Woodbury, N.J., counsel for the divers academy, appeared before Northampton borough council Nov. 7 seeking exceptions from certain provisions in the borough ordinance.

Feeney requested the New Jersey-based school be granted relief from the ordinance requiring it to be connected to the borough's sewer and water system.

"It would be extremely expensive for them to run a sewer line out to 21st Street, " Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said. "They would be utilizing a portable classroom and a portable restroom trailer."

Feeney said the school would utilize a portable generator instead of permanent electric lines to power the school's operations.

Council Vice President Robert McHale questioned the potential noise caused by the generators. The school would not be located near any residential areas and would sit back from 21 Street and Route 329.

"Most of the work [instruction] is done in the water," Feeney said, estimating the depth of the quarry at 200 feet.

Replying to Councilman Ed Pany's inquiry about the high cost of enrollment, Feeney said students don't enroll for recreational purposes, but rather to pursue careers on oil rigs in sites such as the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Feeney, the Northampton site would be used 15 to 20 days a month. The divers academy is awaiting approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which Feeney said it should receive soon.

Council President John Yurish said the divers academy "operates a first- class operation." The divers academy earlier received approval from the borough's zoning hearing board.

"Contact the school [Northamptomn Area High School], it could be a new career," Pany said of students considering careers after high school. "There are opportunities here."

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. thanked the divers academy for bringing the school to the borough.