Pennsylvania DEP rejects $53 million Connoquenessing Township sewer plan
(UI) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has rejected Connoquenessing Township’s updated Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan, dealing a setback to the township’s proposed $53 million sewer infrastructure project in Butler County.
In a Dec. 18 letter addressed to township officials, the DEP said it reviewed the township’s official plan update and determined that the submission “is technically deficient and not approvable as submitted,” according to the agency’s Clean Water Program.
The update revision, prepared by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., was submitted under the terms of a consent order and agreement between the township and the DEP. The department cited multiple deficiencies, including failures to clearly identify the selected wastewater alternative, address county planning comments, and demonstrate compliance with Pennsylvania sewage facilities regulations.
The DEP also raised concerns about affordability, noting that the preferred alternative carries an estimated user cost of $252 per month. Based on U.S. Census data, the department found that the projected rate would exceed thresholds considered to impose a “high” financial impact on township residents.
“This rate appears to be economically unimplementable without grants to bring the rate down,” the letter states, adding that the plan does not provide viable alternatives if grant funding cannot be secured.
In addition to regulatory and cost concerns, the department said the update did not adequately address public comments related to agricultural preservation and failed to demonstrate that proposed service agreements would provide sufficient wastewater capacity under defined terms.
While rejecting the submission, the DEP outlined steps for resubmittal, including narrowing the scope of the project, evaluating alternative wastewater approaches, and prioritizing areas with documented system malfunctions. The agency also recommended additional coordination with county planning officials and state agencies before a revised plan is resubmitted.
Under the consent order, the township must submit a revised, administratively complete update revision addressing the DEP’s comments by July 1, 2026.
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