The problem itself lies in sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). A sanitary sewer overflow is the discharge of raw or inadequately treated sewage from municipal separate sanitary sewer systems. A combined sanitary sewer overflow is the discharge of raw or inadequately treated sewage from a combined sewer system. During both SSOs and CSOs, raw sewage may be released into basements, city streets, properties, rivers, and streams. Most overflows are associated with wet weather conditions.

When the sun is shining, the sewage collection system, which transports wastewater from thousands of homes to the wastewater treatment plant, operates effectively.

But when it rains or snow melts, extra stormwater gets into the sewage collection system through direct connections or through leaky, cracked pipes. This extra volume of water overloads the sewage collection system pipes and raw sewage overflows before it reaches the treatment plant – into your basements, streets, rivers, and streams. To help solve the problem, the Redevelopment Authority is installing an additional clarifier at the Dornick Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase the capacity of the plant and allow for higher flows. But the new clarifier alone will not solve the problem.

Another possible solution requires the elimination of inflow and infiltration into the system, a daunting task when attempted in entirety. Inflow and infiltration is groundwater or stormwater that flows into the sewer system due to leaky sewer lines or from situations where stormwater can flow through direct connections, such as catch basins, roof drain connections, or sump pump connections. The Authority is taking steps to correct such problems through the passing of resale ordinances and flow monitoring.

The last alternative, the construction of flow equalization tanks to control the release of water to the treatment plant during heavy rain events, is an expensive and controversial proposal.

Because water is an important resource for the economic development of every community, and sewage overflows hinder growth, the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority is developing a ten-year plan to improve the system and prevent further violations. Because these overflows violate the Clean Water Act, regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and PA Department of Environmental Protection, will not permit municipalities to add new connections to the existing sewer system until the overflow problem is fixed. This restriction limits the construction of new businesses and homes in many communities throughout the region. To do nothing is not an option.

Fixing the problem is going to require a substantial long-term investment. The Authority is seeking cooperation from the twenty contributing municipalities that Regional Sewage serves. Officials are stressing the “regional” nature of the problem and the need for collaboration.



Cooperation and action will prevent costly fines to the municipalities and the shut-off of taps. State and federal support may be available to help offset a portion of the bill, but municipalities must share resources and work cooperatively across geographic boundaries in order to significantly trim the total bill for ratepayers. An additional flat fee for all of the system’s customers may be necessary to help raise money for the project.