Letter to the Editor: Alternative 3 is the Right Choice for Middle Interceptor

We, the citizens, would like to voice our objection to the selection known as Alternative 1 or Alternative 1c in Lower Perkiomen Valley Regional Sewer Authority’s 537 planning. Since cost has been determined to not be a significant factor, the use of this pristine area in Lower Providence Township along the Arcola section of the Perkiomen Creek as a host for a gravity sewer line holds no public benefit.

The selection known as Alternative 3, which places the sewer line where it is currently approved in the Act 537 plan – located on the Upper Providence side of the Perkiomen Creek in the existing trench – or the alternative of slip lining  the existing pipe and building a small pump station for the overflow, would benefit the public by avoiding costly, timely and environmental issues along with personal hardships imposed on the many affected residents. 

Alternative 3 avoids issues such as but not limited to:

• The permanent condemnation of private citizens' property
• Potential damage and consequently repair of private homes, wells and septic sewer systems 
• New manholes in private citizens back yards 
• Two major stream crossings which would require blasting 20 feet under the creek bed 
• Permanent installation and maintenance of two inverted siphons, one of which would be located in a resident’s back yard and private dock and would require additional land condemnation
• Potential condemnation and destruction of two private homes. (Both homes are on pillars.)
• Excavating archeological sites.  
• Completing the Phase 2 and Phase 3 study. (When a pre-historic cooking hearth was found, the Phase 2 study was halted and never completed. Consequently, the remainder of land will require Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 studies. Even if Hoy Park is only used as an access way, the heavy equipment driven thru the archeological sites would still necessitate these studies. 
• Directional bore drilling under massive historical stone wall.
• Replacement of stone wall if compromised.
• Responsibility to the environmental agencies if wall is compromised causing catastrophic erosion downstream and into public drinking water.
• Destruction to habitat of endangered species.
• Time restrictions due to nesting of endangered species.
• Replacing established wooded areas.
• Rerouting sections of the sewer line to avoid significant trees.
• Replacing wetlands, stock piling and removal of massive soil. (During prior construction of original pipe, rock from trench was set aside until after construction then replaced over trench. Over 40 years later that same rock still remains in place today.)

In conclusion, the original pipe was successfully installed over 40 yrs ago without the help of today’s modern technologies and should not present a major challenge for a competent engineering firm. 

The selection of the originally approved Alternative 3 is the sound responsible choice based on what is best for the people and the environment.

We implore you to take your time in your decision. It will affect our land and our lives for generations to come and once done, it cannot be reversed.

Catherine Beyer

[Editor's Note: The LPVRSA issued an information sheet last year that they say addresses some of the issues raised in this letter. You can view the their information here.]