At the March 19 Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority monthly meeting, a discussion regarding the impact of the recent sinkhole on South Fourth Street, Coplay, was held. This sinkhole swallowed up an 8-foot CWSA manhole structure, which sank to 8 feet below the surface.

The cover was removed, CWSA repairs to the sewer line were done, and the manhole was filled in. CWSA received a $15,000 invoice for this. CWSA is considering if they will install a new manhole or leave the alternate “wormhole” already installed there.

General Manager Matt Harleman brought up a Department of Environmental Protection technical deficiency letter dated Feb. 27, saying that in October, the Act 537 plan was submitted to DEP. Shortly after, it was found to be administratively complete.

After four months of review, they generated this technical deficiency letter, which is roughly eight pages long and gave the signatories two weeks to do everything mentioned in the letter. Lehigh County Authority asked for an extension, and they granted a one-week extension.

Harleman mentioned the Pennsylvania Rural Water Conference at Penn State March 23-26 saying CWSA will be represented by five members, including himself.

A motion was made for resolution 324G for a slight increase in the legal lien costs. This was approved by the board.

Assistant Secretary James Roth read a letter of appreciation to CWSA for a donation to a Whitehall High School club.

Chairman James Hahn mentioned the annual 2025 review will be presented at the CWSA meeting in April.