Overview

The deteriorating conditions of the WWTPs in both Muncy Borough and Montgomery Borough, coupled with pending Chesapeake Bay Initiative requirements, compelled both entities to develop respective ACT 537 Plans.

Entech was tasked with developing the Plan for Muncy Borough and Larson Design Group (LDG) developed the plan for Montgomery Borough. Through a cooperative effort, both municipalities simultaneously reviewed potential local and regional approaches. Both ACT 537 plans addressed the need to provide adequate wastewater treatment for the surrounding communities now and through a 20-year planning horizon.

Development of a regional WWTP was identified as the ideal approach and a new regional Authority was formed. This arrangement not only allowed for continued growth and development within the service area, but served to optimize the plant’s biological nutrient removal (BNR) capabilities.

Entech, along with our design partner LDG and the contributing municipalities, used a team approach to cost-effectively design and construct this regional facility. Entech provided the design of the WWTP, which included process, MEP, structural, and civil/site engineering, while LDG designed the collection and conveyance system, including intermediate pump stations. In addition, Entech provided full architectural services for nearly 30,000 SF of new buildings on site, including three structures to house process equipment, a custom four-bay maintenance and storage garage, an office building with a state-of-the-art laboratory slated for accreditation, and the electrical/SCADA design of the intermediate pump station.

The project presented numerous challenges. Selecting an optimum site location and routing involved survey of archaeologically sensitive areas, acquiring numerous permits and coordinating with state government entities, as well as compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Initiative mandates.

The team successfully completed the fast-tracked design, permitting and bid phases. In addition to keeping the project on schedule, the team assisted the Authority in securing a $22.9M PENNVEST low interest loan, a $5.5M PENNVEST grant, and a $4.0M H2O PA grant to offset project costs.