At its regular meeting June 20, Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority’s board examined the solar power project for the Eberhart Road pump station.

The project was originally conceived as a way to reduce electrical power provided by power plants and replace it with solar power.

Solar power requires an investment in material that transfers sunlight into electricity. The solar panels needed to convert sunlight to electricity had an estimated cost of $135,000. Calculations estimated that, in 30 years, the costs of the equipment would offset the costs of fossil fuel electricity. A caveat to the discussion is that the solar panels had an average life span of 25 years. Part of the feasibility discussion included the need to maintain and eventually replace the solar panels.

The board approved the project and sent it to the only bidder, RER Energy.

Site planning for the project indicated the soils around the pump house are bad. The panels would need special footings to provide proper support. Engineer Darryl Jenkins delivered the estimated cost for the footings at $125,000.

There is an alternative footing that could be used, but the costs were not available.

The authority will also be responsible for restocking charges on the panels and a few other ancillary expenses.

Jenkins will present the final add-on costs and the costs to cancel at the authority’s meeting in July.

In other action, the authority added Todd Bandura and Michael Hudak to its maintenance staff. Rick Melosky was hired as summer help for the season.

The board reviewed a sewer extension at 1942 Schadt Ave. to serve a proposed new subdivision. The developer is awaiting state Department of Environmental Protection approval, and there are technical comments that are needed for the final drawing. General Manager David Harman felt comfortable asking for approval with conditions.

The board unanimously approved the measure.