Marple Officials Remind Beatty Hills Residents to Fill Out and Return Sewer Project Survey

BROOMALL–Beatty Hills residents in are encouraged to fill out the project sewer survey for feedback on and returned to the township as soon as possible.

"...If you live in Beatty Hills, we hope that you would take advantage of this opportunity of a real sewer system," announced 7th Ward Commissioner Dan Leefson at a commissioners work session meeting Monday night. "It's a good deal. So if you have gotten the forms, please get them back to us."

The for residents in both townships, in which the survey will help the townships determine the amount of grinder pumps needed. The survey states:

Since the townships may be initially bulk purchasing a limited quantity of the specified grinder pumps, the greater the initial participation, the greater the cost savings to you in re-purchasing the grinder pump through the township. Should you choose to opt-in on the initial bulk pump purchase, payment to the municipality for your pump unit MUST be received within the next 12-18 months. By checking the box to “opt-in," you are committed to purchasing the pump unit within the specified time period.  If you opt-out, you will not be eligible for purchasing the grinder pumps at the bulk rate, and will be responsible to solicit local contractors for individual pricing when required to connect.

According to Adam Matlawski, Marple Township solicitor, the cost of the $1.1 million low-pressure sewer system will be split between Marple and Springfield townships–58 percent to 42 percent, based on the number of homes in each township.

In Marple, 54 homes will be affected by the project in which 42 homes currently operate cesspools and/or old septic systems, while 12 homes are in need of replacing conventional or alternative septic systems.

In Springfield, 38 homes will be affected by the project in which 29 currently operate cesspools and/or old septic systems, while five homes are in need of replacing conventional or alternative septic systems, three currently operate grinder pumps and one home has a holding tank in place.

Springfield was able to secure a $267,369 grant that would be used towards this low-pressure sewer project for Beatty Hills, in which Marple would match that grant with construction and labor fees by using Marple's Public Works Department.

"They're [Springfield] paying upfront material costs so we'll have to reimburse above and beyond the grant funding," said Township Manager Anthony Hamaday. And, in turn, Springfield will pay 42 percent of Marple's labor costs.

The estimated cost to the residents, who live in the 7th wards of both townships, will be approximately $6,500-$9,500 excluding the excavation of the homeowner's prior sewer system and the annual water usage, well and sewer rates.

In addition, Leefson said if residents hook up now, there will be more cost savings availabl. By going out to bid in one bulk order with grinder pumps now rather than later, a resident could possibly save money now than buying the grinder pump on their own.

"We're doing everything we can to encourage resident to hook up now," said Leefson.

Marple Public Works Department Director Ed Cross announced at Monday's meeting that the department has met with Joe Mastronardo, the township engineer for both Marple and Springfield, and looked at the sketch plan for the sewer system.

"My recommendation would be to put it in the way you have it designed," said Cross.

Visit the township website to fill out the survey online here.