Clear-water inspections are currently under way for customers overseen by the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority. At the authority's March 20 meeting, board member Joseph Marx emphasized that the authority needs cooperation from ratepayers on the inspections.

Marx noted in several previous meetings that most customers cooperated with the effort.

"We still have customers that have not scheduled the inspections," he said.

There is a note in all bills sent out this month asking customers to schedule the inspection.

The EPA mandates clear water inspection in an effort to reduce the amount of water presented to the wastewater treatment plant.

Reducing wastewater volume reduces costs and keeps rates low.

CWSA only inspects private property to see if there are unauthorized tie-ins to the sewer system. No other systems are inspected.

The main culprits for sewer overloading are water introduced to the system by downspouts and sump pumps.

In most cases, the correction is simple

CWSA has EPA-approved reports that show the overall system works well.

The number of incidents of unauthorized flow into the sewer system in the service area is low, based on inspections already conducted.

A homeowner's voluntary agreement now will prevent a mandatory requirement in the future.

Inspections may be scheduled by calling the CWSA office

Also at the meeting, the retirement of an employee was announced.

Authority Chairman John Schreiner reported that Gary Kiss, a longtime employee, is retiring.

Board member James Carpenter asked for a committee meeting to review job assignments and an overall assessment of the labor needed to maintain services as a result of the retirement.

"We should assess our needs before we review the resumes of potential candidates to fill the position," he said.

The board agreed with Carpenter and will conduct the review and assessment.

Treasurer James Hahn reported that PNC Bank, the institution holding a financial account for the authority, announced they will begin charging fees for the previously free account.

Hahn, on the recommendation of Anita Smith, the authority's administrator, recommended transferring the account to First Northern Bank.

"Based on what we see, the authority will save $6,700 in fees and gain an additional $10,000 in interest payments," Hahn said.

Based on his analysis, the board unanimously agreed to move forward with the switch to the new bank.

CWSA's April meeting will be an annual review of operations by various outside groups and will give a picture of the authority's operational and financial readiness.