A townshipwide review of North Whitehall Township’s sewage facilities found no areas that currently require public sewer service, consultants told supervisors during a Sept. 14 update on the municipality’s Act 537 sewage facilities plan.

Andrea Martin of Barry Isett & Associates presented the update, explaining the townshipwide planning effort is intended to address sewage disposal needs over the next 10 to 20 years.

Martin said sewer planning remains a municipal responsibility even when sewer systems are operated by authorities. The township is undertaking the Act 537 review in partnership with Lehigh County Authority, which is paying half the cost of the plan.

The plan follows the township’s recent zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan updates and takes a broader look at sewage disposal than previous planning efforts, which focused on specific areas or needs.

Martin said the study evaluates on-lot sewage disposal conditions in developed areas, existing service areas and the potential effects of future development throughout the township. As part of the study, a townshipwide mail survey was supplemented by door-to-door outreach.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection guidance for a townshipwide plan calls for a 15% response rate. Martin said North Whitehall achieved a 22% response rate.

Of the properties responding, 67% reported using on-site wells, while the remainder use public water. Approximately 9% of respondents reported issues or concerns with their sewage systems.

The survey results were also used to identify confirmed, potential and suspected sewage-system malfunctions.

“Generally speaking, for the most part, it’s subjective, and we’re really looking at the confirmed malfunctions,” Martin said.

She said the analysis did not identify any area with an immediate need for public sewer service.

“There are no on-lot pockets, in our opinion, that require any public sewer service at this time,” Martin said.

The planning process also documented service areas for eight privately owned treatment plants, two Lehigh County Authority-owned treatment plants and a collection system that discharges into a neighboring municipality.

Martin said the plan also considers the township’s zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan and regional planning goals, including North Whitehall’s emphasis on land preservation.

“Ultimately, the Act 537 plan will reflect the township’s long-term goals of maintaining its rural character while providing safe and effective sewage disposal for many years to come,” Martin said.

Supervisor Al Geosits asked when the planning process could be completed.

Martin said the timeline depends on which alternatives are selected, but the work could be completed by the end of the year before moving through the planning commission and public-review process.

The plan will be reviewed by the township and county planning commissions, followed by a 30-day public review period. Public comments must be considered before the final document is presented to supervisors for adoption and submitted to DEP for approval.

Martin said one possible component is an on-lot sewage management program under which the township would maintain records of septic-system pumping and inspections.

When Geosits asked whether she recommended extending public sewer service to any specific areas, Martin said there was no immediate need.

“My recommendation would be looking at a future service area,” she said.

Martin said the township should consider a long-term plan for transitioning privately operated sewer systems to public ownership, either through an authority or the township.

She also identified the Route 309 corridor, particularly the Schnecksville area, as a potential future concern because some properties could face difficulties if an on-lot system fails and there is insufficient room for a replacement system.

Township officials agreed a workshop would be beneficial to continue discussion of the plan.

Separately, North Whitehall Fire Code Administrator James Stewart reported on the township’s commercial fire and life-safety inspection program.

Stewart said 37 initial inspections had been conducted since mid-March, and 36 of those facilities failed their first inspection and required corrective action.

Including reinspections, Stewart said he has conducted approximately 70 inspections.

The township has approximately 222 commercial and nonresidential properties requiring inspections. Apartment buildings are not included in the program.

Stewart said deficiencies have included nonfunctioning exit signs and emergency lighting, blocked or sealed exits, improper storage, deteriorated fuel piping and electrical overloads.

“Our goal here is to protect people, protect our responders,” Stewart said. “Fires do happen, and we want to make sure that we can correct the problem before there are problems.”

Stewart said he hopes eventually to inspect properties on a two-year rotation. He noted the initial round is taking longer because of the number of deficiencies being found and the need for reinspections.

Supervisors also approved Ordinance 2026-10, which amends the township’s burning regulations and fire escrow provisions.

Stewart said the revised burning ordinance more clearly defines allowable casual fires, such as small backyard fires that meet safety requirements and setback distances. Those fires will not require permits. Larger fires, such as bonfires, will require a no-fee permit and a safety review. The ordinance prohibits the burning of trash, garbage and dimensional lumber. Agricultural burning remains unaffected.

The October meeting of the North Whitehall Township board of supervisors has been rescheduled to Oct. 13 because of the Columbus Day holiday.