Conewago Septic/Sewer Info

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
by Joel Buckley 1/10/2003 Revised 03/09/2007

Answers to questions about sewer service in Conewago Township will vary according to which of three sections of the township you live in. Decisions about providing sewer service to parts of the township are made by the township Board of Supervisors through the state mandated Act 537 sewage facilities planning process.

The information presented here is unofficial. If you see anything inaccurate, please let me know.

• The Phase I or Laurel Woods Sewer Area - This area is served by a sewer system extension constructed under agreement between Conewago Township and the Derry Township Municipal Authority. It includes the Laurel Woods area plus Basler and Blue Ribbon and parts of Church, RoundTop, and Chestnut. Click map to enlarge. Click here for more Phase 1 Info.
  

• The Phase II or Rt 743/Old Hershey Road Sewer Area - This area is anticipated to be served by a sewer system extension constructed under agreements among Conewago Township, Derry Township Municipal Authority, and the Conewago Municipal Authority. The plan includes most of Ridge Rd from Chestnut to Old Hershey. Most of Old Hershey north of Ridge Road. Round Top from Old Hershey to about 4103 Round Top. The west side of 743 from just above University Music to the Conewago School. The Free Church parcel on the east side of 743. Click map to enlarge. As this is written (March 9, 2007), construction has just begun with projected completion of the Phase II Sewer Extension in mid-2008. Until then, Phase II residents must comply with the septic pumping requirements in place for the rest of the township. Unofficially, if you received notice to pump in 2007, but are going to hook up to the sewer in 2008, I think it unlikely that the township will take enforcement action against you if you delay pumping until your sewer hookup. More complete information on the Phase II Sewer Project will be found on the Conewago Municipal Authority page.
  

• The Rest of the Township - Under the latest updates to the Township's Sewage Facilities Plan, there is no plan to extend sewer service in the township beyond the Phase I and II service areas described above. The township specifically rejected as unaffordable proposals to provide sewer service to the Bachmanville and Deodate sections of the township. Wastewater treatment in areas of the township not served by public sewer systems is the responsibility of the individual homeowner. This is primarily done through the use of septic systems, though sometimes different wastewater treatment systems or holding tanks may be used. Various township ordinances govern waste water treatment. Residences with septic systems generally have to have them pumped and inspected every three years by a township registered pumper and inspector.

Septic System Info

1. What's a septic system? Howdy, city slicker, welcome to the country. Everything that goes down the toilet and down the drains goes through a pipe to your back yard where it magically disappears. If there's not a well-maintained septic system at the other end of the pipe, it may not so magically reappear.

2. Mandatory Septic Pumping: All septic systems in the township should have been inspected and pumped between 2000 and 2002. They should be repumped at least every 3 years. The township will send you a reminder. You must use a township-registered pumper who should file a report with the township.

3. Sewage Enforcement Officer

   Marvin Stoner (717) 786-3205 Mon-Fri 7-11am fax (717)786-5640
   Asst SEO ?

   The Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) is responsible for enforcing various ordinances related to on-site sewage disposal systems. He conducts percs and probe tests for new or replacement septic systems. He investigates potential malfunctions and must approve planned remedies. Contact the SEO at (717) 786-3205 Mon-Fri 7-11am.

Relevant Ordinances

1. Mar 11, 1981 - Ord. No 81-1 - On-site Sewage Disposal Ordinance
   
   
2. Sewage System Management Ordinance
   Adopted as ordinance 99-1 on September 8, 1999
   Also known as OLDS (On-Lot septic Disposal System) Ordinance
   It was largely prepared by consultant Gil Longwell, of Meeting With Success.
   This ordinance regulates the operation of septic systems in the township.
   Basically, it requires an initial pump-out and inspection of existing systems over three years by zone.
   Thereafter, it requires recurring pump-outs at minimum three-year intervals.

   Sep 8, 1999 - Ord. No. 99-1 - Conewago Township OLDS (On-Lot sewage Disposal System) Ordinance (24 pages)
   
   Sep 15, 1999 - Ord. No. 99-2 - Holding Tanks
   
   Sep 13, 2000 - Ord. No 2000-5 - OLDS (On-Lot sewage Disposal System) Revision
   
   

Act 537, Plan and Updates

1. Act 537 of 1965 - state law on sewage (289k - big file!)
   
   
2. Oct 26, 1998 - Res. 1998-1 - Conewago Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan
   (29MB - super humongous file!) Don't dream of downloading without high-speed internet connection.
   Accepted by PA DEP approx 12/31/98
   179 pages with 15 detailed maps
   
   

   This document is also available for review at the township office.
   It was largely prepared by the township engineer, Rettew Assoc.
   It is rather lengthy and includes an asessment of the need for waste water treatment in the township.
   It presents a number of alternate plans for meeting this need.
   It incorporates both 0-5 and 5-10 year plans.
   It includes written public comments and responses.
   
   Summary of the chosen plan:
   It would serve approximately 200 homes in the Laurel Woods area, including portions of Chestnut/Basler, Round Top and Church Road.
   Sewage would be pumped to and processed by the DTMA (Derry Township Municipal Authority).
   The projected cost was $2,352,700.
   With 30 yr 5.13% financing, estimated annual cost per dwelling unit was $786.
   Timeline for Phase I implementation.
   06/99 - adopt OLDS ordinance
   06/01 - complete design
   09/01 - bid project
   10/01 - begin construction
   11/02 - system operational

3. Act 537 Update May 8, 2002
   May 8, 2002 Conewago Township Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Update
   (21 pages).
   text only pdf(79k) pdf with Maps(1040k)
   
   It was largely prepared by the township engineer, Rettew Assoc.
   This reports results of testing of well and septic systems in the Laurel Woods/Basler Driver area. It was done primarily to determine if the situation was bad enough to qualify the township for lower cost Penvest financing of the sewer construction. It wasn't, so the township obtained financing for sewer construction through a bond issue floated by DTMA (Derry Township Municipal Authority) in early 2002. It also updated the projected timeline for sewer construction.
   Revised Timeline for Phase I Implementation.
   09/02 - bid project
   01/03 - begin construction
   12/03 - system operational

4. Act 537 Update July 2005
   Public comment period ends Aug 24, 2005. Scheduled for adoption at Sep 14, 2005 meeting

   July 2005 - - Act 537 Update for Phase II 743/Old Hershey Rd
   pdf very big file ~8MB
   (66 pages)It was largely prepared by HRG. This reports results of testing of well and septic systems in the Rt 743/ Old Hershey Road area. It was done prior to seeking lower cost Penvest financing of the Phase II sewer construction.
   
   

5. Comments on Act 537 Update July 2005
   These are comments on the act 537 draft update prepared by Joel Buckley. It identifies deficiencies in the Needs Analysis, provides revised cost estimates, and includes an alternate lower cost connection to DTMA.
   pdf Comments - text only - no maps 140k
   MS Excel Spreadsheet - detailed cost estimates 76K
   pdf Comments and all 4 maps - very big file ~7MB
   
   

Phase I (Laurel Woods Sewer Area) Info

• When is it going to be here? Construction on Phase I began in June 2003. Voluntary sewer hook-ups were allowed beginning in August 2004. The "Mandatory 60-Day Notice to Connect" was issued in October 2004. All residents in the phase 1 sewer area should have paid the "tapping fee" and connected by the end of December 2004. Residents who have not yet connected are in technical violation of the township's Mandatory Sewer Connection Ordinance. To avoid possible legal action, these residents should pay the tapping fee and have a contract for sewer installation.

• What will it cost?
  First you have the one-time hook-up costs. Start with a "tapping fee" of $5000. This represents only a portion of system construction costs. Add your cost to run the sewer to your house from the street, maybe another $3000. This will vary depending on how long the run is, and whether your inside plumbing needs to be modified. Your existing septic tank has to be filled in. If you need a grinder pump to go up hill (or live in the Laurel Drive "low-pressure" old system area), maybe another 5 grand. There will be a credit of about $4500 for 7 dwellings that will need grinder pumps. It is not clear to me at this time if residents of Laurel Drive who connect to the "old" low-pressure system will receive the grinder pump credit. So, my best guess would be somewhere between 7 and 8 thousand. Financing for the "tapping fee" is available from DTMA at 4.91% over 6 years. There was talk that grants might be available from Dauphin County for low-income residents, but I don't think the township qualified.
  

  Monthly fees. Phase I - Laurel Woods: The monthly sewer fee for users with wells will be $28.00 ($336/yr). For users with metered water, monthly fee will be $7.60 + $3.65 per 1000 gallons. These fees reflect the April 2004 rate increase.
  RATE INCREASE: The monthly sewer fee for users with wells will be $31.40 ($376.80/yr). For users with metered water, monthly fee will be $8.50 + $4.10 per 1000 gallons. These fees reflect the April 2006 12% rate increase.
  RATE INCREASE: The monthly sewer fee for users with wells will be $33.00 ($396.00/yr). For users with metered water, monthly fee will be $9.00 + $4.30 per 1000 gallons. These fees reflect the April 2007 5% rate increase.
  Click for 2007 Water and Sewer Rates (Phase I only)

• My septic's fine. I just put in a sand mound. I don't want to hook-up. Do I have to? The township passed a mandatory connection ordinance on Nov 12, 2003. Any dwelling within 150 feet of the sewer line has to hook-up. Optional hook-up would result in so few people hooking up that the per-dwelling costs would be unbearable.

Phase I (Laurel Woods Sewer Area) Documents

1. DTMA Sanitary Sewer Extensions (Phase I)
   July 2002

   This document is available for review at the township office.
   It was prepared by the DTMA engineer, Buchart Horn.
   This contains detailed engineering drawings of the sewer system.
   It differs significantly from the old Rettew plan. It reduces reliance on grinder pumps and extends service to the proposed Hills of Waterford (Dowhower farm) development.
   It includes locations of pumping stations, manholes, and suggested location for laterals.

2. DTMA Sanitary Sewer Extensions (Phase I)
   January 2003

   This document is available for review at the township office.
   It was prepared by the DTMA engineer, Buchart Horn.
   This contains detailed engineering drawings of the sewer system.
   It is an updated version of the July 2002 plan that was put out for bids. It includes locations of pumping stations, manholes, and suggested location for laterals.
   Contact person at DTMA is Kim Bloom.

3. March, 2003 - Laurel Woods (Phase I) Sewer Bid Price List
   
   

4. Sewer Service Agreement and Supplement
   March 24, 2003 These agreements were superseded by the November 12, 2003 agreements.

   (about 25 pages).
   The first is the construction, operating, and financing agreement between Conewago Township and Derry Township Municipal Authority. Conewago is required to enact a Mandatory Connection ordinance within 60 days. The Supplement deals with the possibility of PennVest financing in place of DTMA financing.

   The projected cost is $3,915,900.
   With 25 yr 4.92% financing, estimated annual cost per dwelling unit is $900.
   Revised Timeline for Phase I Implementation.
   01/03 - complete design
   02/03 - bid project
   06/03 - begin construction
   11/04 - system operational
   This makes Phase 1 of the sewer system 2 years behind schedule and $1.5 million dollars (66%) over budget.

   Mar 24, 2003 - DTMA - Conewago Sewer Agreement
   
   Mar 24, 2003 - DTMA - Conewago Sewer Supplement
   
   
5. May 23, 2003 - DTMA Sewer Lateral Letter
   
   
6. May 21, 2003 - PENNVEST Sewer Funding
   
   May 12, 2004 - Projected Water and Sewer Rates (Phase I only)
   
   

7. PENNVEST Loan and Grant
   July 23, 2003

   Click here to see PENNVEST application. (May 21, 2003). PENNVEST has approved a $2,843,334 loan and $1,906,666 grant to Conewago Township to install more than five miles of sewage collection lines and mains to serve the Laurel Woods area of the township, where at least one- fourth of the on-lot septic systems are malfunctioning and contaminating local drinking water wells with coliform bacteria. The loan will be for a term of 20 years at a rate of 1%. The projected cost is now $4,750,000. That is $2.4 million MORE than the original budget.

8. Jul 28, 2003 - DTMA Sewer System Rates, Rules and Regulations (219k)
   
   

9. Phase I Construction Status
   Click here to see DTMA Lateral letter (May 23, 2003). Construction on phase 1 began in June 2003. Voluntary sewer hook-ups were allowed beginning in August 2004. The "Mandatory 60-Day Notice to Connect" was issued in October 2004. Some street repaving has been delayed until water line installation is completed.

10. Sewer Service Agreement, Bilateral Lease Agreement, Mandatory Sewer Connection Ordinance, Pennvest Debt Ordinance
    November 12, 2003

    Nov 12, 2003 - DTMA - Conewago Sewer Agreement (113k)
    
    Nov 12, 2003 - DTMA - Conewago Bilateral (Sewer) Lease Agreement (77k)
    
    Nov 12, 2003 - Ord. No 2003-1 - Pennvest (Sewer) Debt (100k)
    
    Nov 12, 2003 - Ord. No 2003-2 - Mandatory Sewer Connection(59k)
    
    
11. August, 2004 - DTMA - Conewago Sewer Reimbursement Agreement (42k)
    
    
12. Feb 2006 - DTMA 2006 Sewer Rate Adjustment Notice - about 12% increase
    2006 Water and Sewer Rates (Phase I only)
    
    
13. Apr 2007 - DTMA 2007 Sewer Rate Adjustment Notice - about 5% increase
    2007 Water and Sewer Rates (Phase I only)
    
    

Phase II Info

Water Info

1. Jun 26, 2003 Pennsylvania-American Water
   Laurel Woods Interest Survey Letter
   pdf(61k)
   
   

2. Water
   Most Conewago residents use private water wells. The Hills of Waterford development is serviced by public water provided by Pennsylvania-American Water Company.
   Update: In late 2004, water service was extended to the Conewago Township portion of the Laurel Woods development. This includes Laurel Drive, Woodbine, Primrose, Azalea and Dogwood. Unlike the mandatory sewer hook-up, connection to water service is voluntary.
   
   Click for 2007 Water and Sewer Rates (Phase I only)

Misc

• All about septic systems - understanding septic systems.
  
• Conewago Township - local regulations, list of registered pumpers and inspectors. Many documents relating to Conewago's sewer rules and plans are on this page or the Conewago Municipal Authority page.
  
• Pennsylvania Septage Management Association - industry trade group which certifies inspectors and pumpers.
  
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - the State Agency regulating septic and sewer systems.
  
• PENNVEST - the State Agency that helps fund sewer, storm water and drinking water projects.