Sanitary surveys revealed that more than 40 percent of surveyed on-lot disposal systems on North Neshannock Road, North Darby Road, and South Darby Road in the City of Hermitage were classified as suspected or confirmed malfunctions according to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations. These results suggested untreated sewage was being discharged into “Waters of the Commonwealth,” which presents a significant public health concern to residents of the City of Hermitage. The Hermitage Municipal Authority hired RETTEW to conduct an Act 537 sewage facilities planning and sewer alternatives analysis, as well as the resulting design and construction of a low-pressure sewer system.

The alternatives analysis determined a low-pressure sewer system, with individual grinder pump stations, was the most cost-effective solution to provide public sewer to this area. RETTEW took a unique approach to the bid documents, allowing bidders to propose either open cut or horizontal directional drilling for installation of the lines, with surface restoration included in the unit pricing. As homes are connected to the public sewer system, the malfunctioning on-lot septic systems will be abandoned and filled in, eliminating this source of pollution. RETTEW secured close to $200,000 in grants for the project, which offset more than 25 percent of the project’s construction cost. RETTEW provided a full suite of services for this project, from planning, surveying, design, and permitting, to funding acquisition and construction.