SHAMOKIN - Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.'s Roaring Creek Division (Aqua) will begin work Monday on a $1.3 million project in Mount Carmel Borough to replace 4,000 feet of four-inch cast iron main with new eight-inch ductile iron pipe.
The project will replace a main along Third Street between Hickory and Birch streets. In addition to the new main, Aqua will replace seven old fire hydrants and the customer services up to the curb line. According to Aqua, the new main will provide increased reliability and provide improved flow throughout the area, including that used for firefighting.
Construction will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and possibly on Saturdays. Final road restoration will be completed later in the summer and fall.
"The project is part of Aqua Pennsylvania's continued efforts to replace the aging distribution system that delivers water to our customers," said Aqua's Roaring Creek Division Manager Tate Hunsinger. "This year, we
plan to complete approximately $7.3 million of capital water main replacements throughout the Roaring Creek Operating Division."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates a 20-year capital investment of $334.8 billion is needed for public water system repairs and replacement of transmission pipes, storage and treatment equipment, and other projects required to protect public health. Aqua officials say the company's 2010 capital program is consistent with the types of improvements the EPA says are necessary for the nation's public water systems.
Aqua Pennsylvania's Roaring Creek Division serves a population of 52,000 in Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Snyder counties. Overall, the company serves approximately 1.4 million residents in 30 counties throughout Pennsylvania.