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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Sewage issue continues at township home

Adam Faisetty, of 1202 Woodlawn St., Whitehall, made a second appearance before Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority’s board Sept. 20. On Aug. 16, he reported the problems he had with sewer water backing up into his basement. He said he installed an elaborate set of ball valves and cutoffs to prevent the water from entering his house.

All his protection did not stop water from backing up during the rains Aug. 21 and 22. He said he used his Shop-Vac to remove the water and the mess and called in Servpro to clean his basement.

At the Aug. 16 meeting, Faisetty was assured his lines would be inspected. But the rain event came too soon. The lateral - the connecting pipe from Faisetty’s house to the main sewer line - was inspected Aug. 28. No major defects were noted. There was speculation at the prior meeting the line could be set in a reverse slope. That problem was ruled out.

Faisetty said he checked with local plumbers after the last meeting. The consensus, according to his report, is that a sewer backup is a CWSA problem.

Faisetty has installed a check valve, a trap, a shut-off valve and a vent pipe in an attempt to keep the sewer line from backing up.

The problem identified by CWSA and others is that stormwater (rain) infiltrates the sewer line and causes the line to be hydraulically overloaded. The overflow situation is complicated because the stormwater is coming from South Whitehall Township, a system outside CWSA’s control. Board member James Roth pushed the board to contact South Whitehall immediately to get a resolution.

Faisetty’s recent improvements, particularly the new vent pipe, now move the sewage overflow to the backyard.

Faisetty said his neighbors have similar problems during heavy rainstorms.

“My life - and that of my neighbors - is being held hostage to heavy rain flooding. The threat of rain means that we must adjust our valves and hope they work. We have to stop using the water for showers or washing, and we must use the toilets sparingly,” he said.

He is pushing to get the system fixed, so he can be assured his family can live without concerns during rains.

Chairman John Schreiner was not optimistic about a quick resolution.

“The rains hydraulically overload the system. We will get with South Whitehall and work out something,” he said.

It was mentioned there is no quick fix to the problem. Faisetty agreed but wants to see action taken.