Progress on the Issue
Because water is an important resource for the economic development of every community, and sewage overflows hinder growth, the JRA is developing a ten-year plan to improve the sewer system and prevent violations. Because these overflows violate the Clean Water Act, regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, may 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 JRA is seeking cooperation from the 20 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.
For more information regarding this important issue, please watch the Call to Action video by clicking on the link below.
Johnstown Regional Sewage Call to Action Video:
- Stream Video Online
- Download Windows Media Player File
Right click the Windows Media Player file link and click "Save As" to save to your computer.