CFES needs sewer update

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on July 26, 2022

The onsite sewage system at Chadds Ford Elementary School is old, outdated, and wouldn’t pass inspection for its scheduled re-permitting in 2023. It needs to be upgraded or replaced. As yet though, no firm plans have been made, according to U-CFSD Director of Facilities James Whitesel.

He said the district is still looking at renewing the current permit for the plant.

“We expect we'll get our permit extended for another five years and may just proceed with restoring the existing plant with coatings, linings, etc,” Whitesel said.

He said the district has already made some of the changes the Department of Environmental Protection requires.

“After some operational changes to our plant…we have been able to mostly meet our discharge limits…I believe DEP will consider a renewal, and we are planning to submit that permit renewal this fall,” Whitesel said.

He added that, as he understands DEP’s comments, replacing the plant would require it to meet higher discharge standards which, in turn would require a larger plant.

The current system is a 59-year-old stream discharge system and, while the district has looked at public sewer systems, Whitesel said, it “hasn’t worked out” with the two closest public systems.

If work requires the system to be shut down for a while, the district might need to enter into a pump and haul agreement with Pennsbury Township.

“We have been looking at various different options in order to address whatever comes along. Having a pump and haul option in place will help if we need to rely on that for a time period,” he said.

Whitesel said the work is included in the district’s Long-Range Facilities Plan but figuring out all the details of what to do is intricate.

“We are always trying to be proactive and look for solutions before they become problems. This is just a tricky one, as we are dealing with aging equipment, a really tough site location, and no currently viable off-site options.”

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.