To meet these more stringent requirements, Tom James, Steve Bray, both State certified wastewater treatment operators, and the Township Supervisors, have been working very closely with the township engineers to resolve this issue in the most efficient and inexpensive means possible.

The Waverly Twp. treatment plant utilizes a "lagoon system" to treat effluent from the existing sewage collection system.  The system, developed and put in place in 1986 at a cost of 1.2 million dollars has served the residents of the Township well.  It is efficient to operate, but recently is limited in its capability to consistently meet ammonia-nitrogen discharge parameters or the pending nutrient reductions.  The revised regulations will require substantial reduction in the amount of nutrients in the discharge.  Waverly Twp. is obligated to develop plans to meet the new discharge requirements as well as address current discharge parameters.  As designed and operated, the existing system will either need to be modified, upgraded, or replaced.  

To identify the most cost effective solution to meet the revised nutrient regulations, the Township has explored several options.  For example, an early option, suggested by Twp. Supervisor Dr. Klamp, was to utilize certain aquatic plants that would reduce the nitrogen levels.  Unfortunately, there is potential to release these plants into the stream system.  Thus, that is not a viable option.  Another option introduced a type of Nitrobactor Bacteria and nitrosomonas organisms.  Unfortunately, that did not solve the problem.  With the guidance of Milnes Engineering, the Township Engineer, a number of other options have been explored.  A researcher working for the PA Legislative Budget & Finance Committee requested information on various options considered and their costs.  Full replacement of the system, a very expensive option, was considered and determined to be the least cost effective.

A representative from Milnes Engineering, Tom James, and Steve Bray have visited a number of different treatment plants, studied available literature, utilized the resources of the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, and talked with various industry experts.  The status of the project to date is that the Supervisors have authorized a one year pilot study.  The pilot study will provide the data necessary to assess the the effectiveness of the test process to consistently reduce ammonia-nitrogen levels and properly size modifications to the treatment facility for the Township.   If successful, this will be a modification to the existing system, not a full replacement, and may provide valuable information for further nutrient reduction.

Sewage treatment plants are expensive to build and operate.  Waverly Twp. still owes approximately $236,000 on the bond from the installation of the current lagoon system.  The pilot project is being done at a cost of approximately $50,000.  Until the results of the pilot study are known, a detailed cost estimate of the project will not be available.

Thanks to the offices of State Senator John Blake and State Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich, there is approximately $1,000,000 in grant money from the Penna. Dept. of Economic and Community Development (DCED) available for this project.  The grant money could cover up to 66% of the total cost of the project.  If the pilot proves successful, a very preliminary estimate of the total cost to install the modifications to the existing treatment system is in the range of $1,500,000 to $2,500,000.  Replacement of the full systemwould require several million dollars more.

For more information or questions, please contact Bill White or Tom James at 586-9579 or stop at the Township Office during normal business hours.

The old schoolhouse is of considerable historical significance having been built in 1831 and served as the first school house in the village and later as a meeting place for the Negro church congregation of escaping southern slaves using the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.   The restoration of this building will probably involve a considerable amount of labor and funds to accomplish.  The supervisors have determined that no township tax money will be spent on this project.  The non-profit group has already applied for a $ 25,000. grant from the Penna. Museum and Historical Commission and have received a commitment of $ 20,000. in matching funds from the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.  If you would like to become a part of this organization and/or assist in this restoration project, please contact Maryellen D'Andrea or the Waverly Township Municipal Office.  

All items, no larger than that which may be lifted by two men, may be put out. 

Paint cans with paint, Automobile type batteries, and Household Garbage will NOT be picked up. 

All appliances which contain freon, e.g. refrigerators, air conditioners or dehumidifiers, must have a certificate attached to the appliance verifying that the freon has been properly evacuated by a licensed appliance serviceman.

There will be dumpsters at the Township Building on Lake Henry Drive for metal.  There will also be a dumpster for automobile (not Truck) tires.  There will be a $2.00 charge per tire and all tires must be off the rim.