Public Water Coming to DCE-Tainted Sections of Evansburg

Patch thanks Pennsylvania American Water for the following press release.

To replace water wells contaminated by carcinogen Dichloroethylene (DCE), construction will soon begin to install new water lines to bring public water service to affected residents and businesses in Lower Providence Township. The approximately $2.5 million project will be financed by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with funding from Pennsylvania American Water. 

In March 2007, DEP began investigating groundwater contamination in the township from DCE. The agency has been operating monitoring wells as part of its study, however the source of the DCE has not been determined. DEP helped initiate the project, which will extend public water service from Pennsylvania American Water’s adjacent Norristown system to supply approximately 90 homes and businesses. 

“Our Hazardous Sites Cleanup Staff have been working diligently to keep this project moving forward towards this permanent solution for affected residents of Lower Providence,” DEP Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola said. “By partnering with local utilities and municipalities, we are able to accomplish much more for the benefit of area residents.” 

“As a result of the public-private partnership that we helped form with state and local officials, we’re bringing a permanent solution to a community that has lived without safe, clean water for many years,” said Brian Hassinger, field operations manager for Pennsylvania American Water. 

Starting the week of May 14, crews from contractor JOAO & Bradley will install approximately 12,000 feet of ductile iron water main for the affected areas along Ridge Pike, Germantown Pike, Crosskeys Road, Evansburg Road, Old Baptist Road, Pechins Mill Road, Eddishaw Road, Wilson Road and Hodes Avenue. The project is expected to be completed and public water service to begin by end of October, weather permitting. 
  
"Through concerted efforts by our state legislators, Lower Providence Township officials, DEP and Pennsylvania American Water, we have come together to provide our residents with clean potable water in an area that was contaminated with water-borne pollutants" said Chairman Rick Brown of the Lower Providence Township  Board of Supervisors. 

In March 2012, Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors passed a mandatory hook-up ordinance requiring the affected property owners to connect to the public water line. The township also created a website to provide residents with information, FAQs and updates about the project at http://www.lowerprovidence.org/waterline.htm. 

“Through the joint efforts of the state’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, Pennsylvania American Water, Lower Providence Township and the state legislators, money was found and work will be undertaken to provide clean water, a life essential, to residents in an area where DCE have contaminated their water,” said State Senator John Rafferty (R-44). “I am relieved the work is to be done.” 

"Local and state officials have been committed to cleaning up the DCE issue since its discovery five years ago. I am proud to stand today to see the completion of this hazardous site clean-up," said State Representative Mike Vereb (R-150). 

Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.