Backup well, storage tank urged

 

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, June 19, 2008

Bruno Mercuri didn't sugarcoat his concerns about Plumstead's water woes.

The hydrogeologist told supervisors and other officials that another well is needed as a backup to the sole well that serves hundreds of residents in the Cabin Run development.

A 500,000-gallon storage tank should be built to hold an adequate supply of water for the community, and the infrastructure to allow the various wells to be linked should be explored, he said.

In an informal meeting to discuss the needs of the five township-owned water systems, Mercuri spelled out some of the deficiencies Plumstead is facing when it comes to keeping up with the demands of aging systems.

“If it's off-line, we have no water for Cabin Run or Landis Greene,” Mercuri said of a scenario where the well at Cabin Run might be shut down. “You need an additional water supply.”

“It's a situation that is waiting for a crisis,” he said of the single well. And, he noted, it does not meet the criteria of the state Department of Environmental Protection.

In the event of any contamination, there needs to be an alternative water supply.

Alan Bleam, the township's director of public works, agreed. While the Cabin Run well is operating sufficiently, he said, “There is no margin for error. If the well goes down there we're looking at a big problem.”

He said another well should be drilled near the existing Cabin Run well to keep down costs and then an interconnecting system of pipes installed.

The best location for a storage tank, which the board agreed was needed, would be the site of the former AT&T tower on Stump Road, between German and Sawmill roads.

As one of the highest spots in the township, it would be the best location for the tank.

An additional well is needed at the North Branch/Durham Ridge development too, said Mercuri. He said two yet-to-be built developments, Plumstead Chase and Garden Village, were approved with the understanding they would receive water from the township.

Frank Froio, chairman of the board, said past boards tried to keep the water systems adequate but not bigger than necessary.

Plumstead operates five water systems, including Summer Hill/Summer Meadow; Country Greene; Durham Ridge/North Branch; Patriot's Ridge and Cabin Run/Landis Greene.

They serve about 2,000 residents.

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