Darryl Jenkins, of SSM Group, presented an update on Coplay’s Front Street project during Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority’s regular meeting Aug. 17. In his report, Jenkins asked for a payment of $151,668 to the contractor.

The project is plagued by poor soils and improper substrate.

“We added 1,060 cubic yards of soil to replace the poor soil we had,” he said. “To keep the surfaces solid, we added 2,120 tons of stone.”

There was damage after a portion of the line was repaired. The settling damage was repaired.

The initial budget for the project was $278,650. The project is 28 percent over budget, with the latest cost estimate at $310,000. At that number, a portion of elements have now been left out.

“We planned to rework laterals at some twin homes. Some have a single lateral that serves both units,” Jenkins said. “We decided to leave that in place.”

The other element not included is street restoration. The project is so far behind schedule that restoration has been pushed to next year. The roadway needs time to settle before the final coat is put on.

CWSA’s board did approve relining 638 feet of main sewer line at $40 per foot. The need is based on an annual inspection conducted earlier this year. The pipe is lined with a plastic resin designed to repair cracks and leaks. Openings for lateral lines that feed residences are cleared as part of the process.

In other business, board member James Carpenter announced CWSA reached an agreement with Jaindl Properties for easements along Front Street in Allentown.

“This has been a long process. We have been in negotiations for over two years now,” he said.

CWSA has sewer mains that run along the proposed Lehigh Waterfront development. The agreement gives CWSA access to the lines for repairs and maintenance. Details of the agreement were not publicly released.