BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Bethlehem Township Planning commission on Monday endorsed an expanded sewer plan that aims to accommodate consistent new construction.
While most of the township now is tied into the sewer network, a small part still uses on-lot septic systems. Several areas without sewer service also are slated for major residential development in coming years.
With an eye toward growth, Bethlehem Township’s engineer assembled a new plan this year to connect the remaining lots to sewer service.
Members of the planning commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend adopting the plan. The decision ultimately rests with the township board of commissioners.
In addition to building new sewer lines and other infrastructure, the plan calls for relocating and upgrading one of the existing pump stations.
Some sewer infrastructure near planned developments would be built on those developers’ dime.
Public comment is next
Township residents who now use on-lot septic systems would not be required to connect to township sewers, Planning Commission Chairman Leslie Walker said.
But residents likely would end up connecting once their septic system needs to be replaced.
“You know, if your system is failing, it's a lot cheaper to run a lateral than to replace the system.”Bethlehem Township Planning Commission Chairman Leslie Walker
“You know, if your system is failing, it's a lot cheaper to run a lateral than to replace the system,” Walker said.
Most of Bethlehem Township’s wastewater ultimately flows into the City of Bethlehem’s treatment plant; a small fraction passes through Palmer Township’s pipes to the Easton treatment plant.
The township currently uses only 60% of its allotted disposal capacity there, leaving enough to last through 2040, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission environmental planners wrote in a review letter this year.
Bethlehem recently received state Department of Environmental Protection approval to expand the plant, further boosting capacity, said Bill Bohner, an engineer who worked on the plan.
Now that the township’s planning commission has recommended adopting the new plan, officials will seek public comment on the proposal.
