April 17, 2007
Plumstead Twp. Supervisors,
Based on the preliminary results of the Water Budget Reports prepared for
the Township by Castle Valley Consultants Inc. (CVC) and Pennoni
Associates Inc., which indicate that water withdrawal would exceed the natural replenishment at build out, the EAC is concerned that an expansion of the existing sewer system will result in short-term
and long-term adverse impact to our aquifers and associated surface water systems. One of the recommendations made by CVC was that all efforts should be made to limit the export of wastewater from the
Township. The EAC believes that this and other recommendations presented
in the reports be considered prior to the proposed expansion. The EAC recommends updating the water budget, which was prepared in 2001, to account for the changes in the development assumptions
and anticipated water volume that will be exported.
Residents with private wells located within the watersheds serviced by
the public sewers may be adversely impacted by the sewer system. In areas where withdrawal exceeds recharge, the groundwater
quality can be adversely impacted by on-lot septic system discharges. Groundwater degradation can be caused by septic-related
pollutants including nitrates, phosphates, antibacterial and inorganic compounds. Aging sewer systems in need of repair could
discharge contaminants into the aquifers used by residents for drinking water purposes.
In addition, an Environmental Impact Study should be developed to determine
the localized impacts of the expanded system on stream baseflow, aquatic ecosystems, and wetlands. An area-specific impact
study should evaluate potential risks to township residents and environmentally sensitive areas. As part of this assessment,
the information that should be collected and analyzed includes: existing and future land use, geology, soils, sub-basins,
topography, stream discharge and recharge areas, aquifer storage, groundwater elevations, groundwater flux, potential changes
in transmission capacity, changes in natural water chemistry, potential reductions in aquifer yields, on-lot septic systems
(including contaminant dilution calculations), location/depths of private and public supply wells, impervious surface areas,
stormwater management, and other pertinent information.
The objective of these studies will be to provide scientific-based approach
for analysis of our available water resources, and to assist in sensible planning. As a community, we must protect and ensure
an adequate, safe supply of water and preserve water resources for the benefit of future generations and ecosystems. Environmentally
sound use and protection of water resources should be the principal consideration in determining sustainable development.
Because this proposed activity raises environmental threats and potential
harm to our residents and sensitive ecosystem, precautionary measures should be taken prior to moving forward with an agreement
to allow for the expansion of the existing sanitary sewer system in Plumstead Township. The establishment of scientific-based data is critical
and should be collected immediately to assist the supervisors and other advisory boards in making a responsible decision on
this issue and other issues related to the future development of our community.
Signing an agreement with the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority
to allocate sewer capacity for the expansion of the sewer system, without evaluating potential risks to human health and the
environment, sends an obvious and disturbing message to residents that their elected officials and township representatives
are not interested in protecting groundwater resources, and the quality of life and ecosystems it supports.
Submitted by the EAC of Plumstead Township
