Commission recommends sewage plant upgrade

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on July 12, 2018

Knights Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant passed the first hurdle on its way to being upgraded. The Chadds Ford Township Planning Commission voted July 11 to recommend that supervisors approve a plan that would double the plant’s capacity and efficiency.

The plant is off of Brandywine Drive near Painters Crossing shopping center. It’s owned and operated by The Henderson Group and handles all of Henderson’s properties in Chadds Ford.

Knights Bridge has become less efficient over the years and, according to attorney Mark Damico, is coming to an end of its usefulness. It currently has a capacity of 45,000 gallons per day, but the planned replacement would be rated at 90,000 gallons per day.

Upgrading the plant includes building a shed to cover the tanks — known as trains — and that requires Henderson to go through the land development process that starts with getting the Planning Commission recommendation.

Engineer Chuck Olivo said the shed would be beneficial to the community because it reduces the amount of odor escaping the site. Olivo also said the old plant would remain in operation until the upgrade is finished and in operation.

There was discussion regarding the removal of some trees. Damico said there are four that would have to go, but all four are less than 12 inches in diameter.

During the discussion, land planner Tom Comitta said there would be no problem with their removal, though commission member Timotha Trigg said she prefers they stay.

The talk of trees also included a mention of Henderson possibly planting trees further downstream — specifically the Painters Crossing Condominiums — to alleviate problems with stormwater.

After about a 30-minute presentation and discussion, Planning Commission Chairman Craig Huffman motioned for approval, Dennis Quinn seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

The timetable, according to Olivo, would be to get the supervisors’ approval as soon as possible. Work would take about three months, and they hope to be finished before winter.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.