DEP Secretary visits Mount Carmel Municipal expansion of its sewer treatment plant

by justin strawser

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - The Mount Carmel Municipal Authority's (MCMA) expansion of its sewer treatment plant is a perfect example of stimulus funds being put to good use, according to John Hanger, the acting secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection.

"We're focused on making sure taxpayers' money is creating jobs right now on assets that provide value for decades to come," Hanger said Monday afternoon after he took a tour of the multi-million dollar project adjacent to the current plant along Route 2034 near Den-Mar Gardens.

Hanger has been visiting different locations around the state since $6 billion of $18 billion worth of Pennsylvania stimulus money had been allocated for various projects that include roads, bridges, water and energy. Gov. Edward G. Rendell, the secretary noted, made it a priority that the money would be spent well.

"We want to work with the communities to see the projects succeed," said Hanger, who has visited other water and sewage treatment projects and wind and solar facilities.

The stimulus funds were allocated to ensure that not only would jobs be created immediately, but money would be used to create facilities that will serve Pennsylvania for decades after the economic downturn is only a memory, Hanger explained.

"This is not a debt we're giving our kids," he said. "It's valuable and will pay for itself every day."

Hanger noted that the last decade, especially 2009, has been a rough period. In January, 700,000 Pennsylvania jobs were lost. In 10 months, the numbers dropped to 11,000. The latest unemployment rate from the Department of Labor and Industry put the state at 8.4 percent, lower than the national average of 9.5 percent.

According to Hanger, the economy grew by 2.8 percent in the third quarter, the first time since December 2007, meaning the financial situation is taking a positive upturn.

"The hole that was dug in this near-depression was deep," said Hanger. "In December 2008, we were off the cliff without a parachute. It's projects like this in Pennsylvania that are making the difference."

The project has impressed the secretary.

"They're under-budget, they got a great bid and there's not been one change order," he said. "They're really committed to delivering a world-class facility to the people of this community. This is something to be proud of."

The project, headed up by general contractor Quandel, of Harrisburg, is fully funded by more than $13 million worth of stimulus funds. The construction process began in the summer.

The new plant is expected to be operational by June 2010, reported Mark Mance, field representative for Brinjac Engineering, owned by Dave Brinjac.

"We currently have the mechanical building under roof," said Mance. "It's the heart of the plant, the lifeline."

On Wednesday, the slab will be poured for the foundation. After the holidays, more work will be completed.

The force main that feeds the plant is also currently being installed, and the screen and pump stations buildings are also being put under roof. Equipment will be placed in the buildings in January.

Controversy

The current location of the plant has been subject to controversy this year.

State Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr. (D-107) had been pushing for a move to the Coal Township-SEEDCO Industrial Park located near Excelsior at the west end of Mount Carmel Township on Keystone Opportunity Zone land in attempts to attract businesses to the park.

Members of MCMA said there had not been enough time given by the DEP to pursue such a decision.

Most recently, when more than $5 million of $18.8 million worth of federal stimulus money was pulled from the project, Belfanti once again went on the hunt, requesting a meeting with all the stakeholders - the municipalities, DEP and Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST), which controls the flow of stimulus money. Belfanti's goals are to recoup the lost funds and perhaps secure the move into the park. No changes were made as a result of the meeting and the current project remained where it was being built.

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