Engineers presented options for new sewer facilities at a joint meeting of the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority and Whitehall Township commissioners meeting May 19. Although a number of options were presented, two commissioners said they did not think any are feasible.

At the meeting, Darryl Jenkins, divisional vice president for Spotts, Stevens, McCoy Group Inc., outlined the engineering options that his group developed for the township.

The group first discussed service to the Spring Creek East Area. This area includes most of Cementon.

The project includes the Phil Schwartz tracts, Murphy/Csencsits tracts, upgrades to Cementon and Egypt collection systems and an extension of Upper Lehigh River interceptor.

The first option Jenkins outlined proposed a central pump station, located near the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority's reservoir. It would use gravity to service existing homes along Second Street and Spring Hill Road. It also includes upgrades to the Cementon system.

According to Jenkins, this option could result in some environmental hazards and creates difficulties for construction.

"The streets are narrow and tight for construction," Jenkins said.

The outlined plan would provide service to 27 existing homes and 100 future equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of the project is $4,656,836.

The second option Jenkins presented is similar to the first and would include a central pump station, located near the NBMA reservoir. It would use a gravity collection system for Second Street, Spring Hill Road and Front Street. It also includes upgrades to the Cementon System. Jenkin's said this plan could create environmental hazards and also creates difficulties for construction workers. It would provide service to 27 existing homes and 100 future equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of the project is $3,414,400.

CWSA Chairman John Schreiner said he took issue with options one and two.

"The pump station is on NBMA property, so is the line, any leak would drain into the reservoir. I think the chance of getting permission is very low, we wouldn't give permission. I don't think they would." Schreiner said.

Option three is a low pressure system Jenkins said the project would include service to the Phil Schwartz tract and upgrades to the Cementon or Egypt collection systems. The option provides minimal environmental hazards, however, it would require hydrogen sulfide and odor control, Jenkins said. It would provide service to 55 future equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of the project is between $1,679,688 and $1,779,205.

Option four includes a pump station which would service the Phil Schwartz tract and provide service to 55 future equivalent dwelling units. It may present a potential environmental hazard, according to Jenkins. The estimated cost to this project is between $1,679,688 and $1,779,205.

After going over the options for Spring Creek East, Jenkins presented the options for Spring Creek West, which includes the Egypt area.

Option one would use a central pump station, located near Spring Creek at Roosevelt Street. The system would use a force main and connect to the gravity system extension in Roosevelt Street. This option causes difficulties for construction. According to Jenkins, it would provide service to 60 existing homes and potentially 250 future equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of the project is $6,946,636.

Option two would require boring under Route 145. The collection systems along Spring and Roosevelt streets would be used and boring under Route 145 and follow Roosevelt Street to a pump station near NBMA reservoir. It presents construction difficulties due to geographic limitations. It would provide service to 60 existing homes and 250 additional future equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of this project is $6,924,956.

Jenkins presented option three, which uses a low pressure sewer. There would be a collection system along Spring and Roosevelt streets that would discharge to an existing collection system on Spruce Street. This option also includes upgrades to the Egypt collection system.

The option would provide minimal environmental hazards, but presents hydrogen sulfide and odor control concerns. It would provide service to 60 existing homes and 250 equivalent dwelling units. The estimated cost of the project is $5,018,126.

Option four also would use a low pressure system. It would be added to the system all ready in place. The estimated cost of the system is $1,799,205.

At the end of the PowerPoint presentation, Jenkin's assistant, Andrea Martin, showed pictures of the areas that are proposed for construction. The pictures presented a difficult landscape for construction workers.

After seeing the photos, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners President Linda Snyder made some statements.

"Maybe I'm missing something. I don't see this as plausible," she said.

"You can solve anything with enough money," Schreiner responded.

"None of these options are feasible," Snyder continued.

Board member Gerard Palagonia weighed in.

"I don't see it either," he said.

"It can be done," Schreiner said.

At the close of the meeting Snyder said she was satisfied with the information provided.