The Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority spent millions of ratepayer dollars upgrading its sewer system as required under an Environmental Protection Agency mandate.

At its Oct. 16 meeting, the authority's Engineer Darryl Jenkins presented a draft report detailing the effects of the two major projects: the Jordan Creek Interceptor and the recently completed Coplay Creek Interceptor.

Significant data is available for the Jordan Creek project completed in 2009. The data for Coplay Creek covers a year's worth of information.

A measurement criteria for engineering purposes includes gallons of flow per Equivalent Dwelling Unit. Using data that the authority has collected since 1975, the number of connections [EDU] has risen steadily from around 9,000 to nearly 14,000 connections today. The number of gallons used has dropped from around 240 gallons to 136 gallons.

"Anyone managing a system similar to this one would be happy if they averaged around 190. A number of 136 is exceptional," Jenkins said.

Various water conservation efforts played a part in reducing the amount of water that must be treated.

Jenkins explained the impact of peak flows on the system. Keeping peak flows under control is a major factor in maintaining an efficient operating system.

"The standard is that peak flows should not exceed 2.5 times the average flow," he said. "Your peak number is much less."

An analysis of the flow data and rainfall conditions show the sewer system is not affected by infiltration. The net result is that the Jordan Creek Interceptor and the Coplay Creek project are doing what they were designed to do.

According to the data from Jordan Creek, average daily flows decreased by 10 percent and peak flows are down 20 percent. Data from the Coplay Creek project is limited, but the initial trend shows similar reductions can be expected.

Jenkins is preparing an enhanced report of the information as part of a formal presentation to the EPA. The authority is requesting the EPA find it in substantial compliance of the EPA mandate.

Board member Joseph Marx reported that the CWSA's effort to inspect residences and businesses for clear water infiltration is moving forward.

"We now passed the 75 percent mark for homes inspected," he said.

The Coplay Creek Interceptor project was officially closed. Jenkins made the final inspections and the board is preparing the final payments to the contractors.