Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners at its workshop Monday evening discussed upgrading the Act 537 plan.

The plan addresses the township's future growth and areas that do not have sewer lines. In addition, it looks at the hundreds of acres in the northern tier, outside of Egypt, and smaller sites as the property across from the township's municipal complex, on MacArthur Road and Route 145.

Board President Linda Snyder, who raised the topic, spoke of a meeting the commissioners had with the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority. She said the meeting was beneficial and that she came out of the session better briefed. Snyder has held the position that the northern tier remain open space and that expanding sewer lines to the site would be very expensive.

Township Engineer Frank Clark conceded "a lot of money" would have to be spent on expanding sewer lines to the above mentioned acreage. Clark talked of force mains and gravity mains, measuring usage by units and not gallons.

As the work in preparing the upgrade to its Act 537 plans continues, Snyder expressed satisfaction "as we keep moving along."

Geology issues were also raised regarding the rock formation beneath the surface and the effect on streams.

Commissioner Vice President Philip Ginder said it is expected the board will vote on the Act 537 upgrade that addresses the future of such lands, which is submitted to the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection.

Township commissioners listened to a couple seeking an easement for a sewer line over township property, a matter, the couple said, has been lingering for four years.

With a contractor expected to be on the site a day after the workshop, the board, with Clark and township Solicitor Charles Fonzone working out details, the parties met in the conference room to allow the project to move forward.

Members said as in all cases the township fees must to be paid.

Clark said he has no problem having the work commence immediately. Doing so would ensure the township's liability was protected and the proper permits and licenses for the contractor are granted.