RUSH TOWNSHIP — Rush Township supervisors on Tuesday, May 12, discussed concerns surrounding wastewater treatment near the Black Bear Run reservoir, ongoing solar development plans and the possibility of future data center regulations during the monthly meeting.
The meeting had discussions surrounding a proposed small stream discharge system near Black Bear Run which feeds a drinking water reservoir serving approximately 1,400 customers through the Cooper Township Municipal Authority. Authority representatives voiced concerns about the proximity of the system to the reservoir and the potential for future wastewater issues in the area.
“We want to make sure that we protect our resources as best we can,” said Alan Euler of Cooper Township. “This is a drinking water resource that serves about 1,400 customers.”
Supervisors and township engineer Dave McCullough emphasized that the proposed system would be monitored closely through inspections, escrow requirements and DEP oversight. Officials argued the proposed treatment system would be safer than allowing potentially failing septic systems to continue operating unnoticed.
“It wouldn’t be near as much a problem as a failed septic system would be,” supervisor Dave Jackson said.
McCullough said the township plans to impose stricter inspection and maintenance requirements if the project moves forward.
“The biggest issue would be equipment failure,” McCullough said. “We’re already mindful of trying to make sure we maintain restrictions on that,” McCullough said.
Authority officials also informed the Rush Township supervisors that Pennsylvania American Water has expressed interest in purchasing the Cooper Township water system. Representatives said they were concerned a sale to a private corporation could eventually increase rates for customers.
“I’ve seen and have enough experience working with private water systems that I’ve never seen a good outcome to it,” Euler said of similar acquisitions by private utilities.
Attorney Dave Gaines also updated supervisors on an ordinance tied to the ORD Sewer Authority’s roughly $16 million sewer project which includes approximately $7 million in grant funding.
Gaines explained that Rush Township would be responsible for guaranteeing a portion of the non-grant-funded loan through PennVEST because the township represents more than 45% of the authority’s customers. Gaines stressed that while the township’s share exceeds $4.2 million, PennVEST has “never” enforced one of the guarantees against municipalities.
“PennVEST has never, and I mean never actually invoked one of these guarantees,” Gaines said.
Ampliform Solar Project
The meeting also focused on the proposed Ampliform solar project and the developer’s desire to use Coaldale Road during construction.
McCullough said township officials are currently reviewing the company’s large preliminary land development submission, while Planning Commission member Eric Rusnak questioned whether the developer had sufficiently demonstrated that use of Coaldale Road was necessary under conditions previously established by the township.
“The order is the order,” Rusnak said. “It says what it says.”
Officials raised concerns about road width, truck traffic and safety along the narrow roadway.
“My truck alone is nine feet wide,” Jackson said. “I’m not going to pass a tractor trailer on that road.”
Jackson also questioned whether rebuilding the road would truly solve long-term safety concerns.
“No amount of solar can replace that,” he said while discussing the possibility of accidents on Coaldale Road.
Data Center Ordinance
Supervisors also discussed beginning work on a potential data center ordinance amid growing interest in such developments across Pennsylvania. McCullough said the township wants regulations in place before any proposals emerge. Supervisors have looked at similar ordiances in both Dauphin and College Township.
“We’ll be well advised to get an ordinance in place,” McCullough said.
In other business, township officials discussed code enforcement action involving a vehicle repair property near Curve Street along U.S. Route 322. Solicitor David Mason said the township is seeking cleanup of what officials described as vehicles and debris spilling onto adjoining properties and township right-of-way areas.
The township also approved a resolution related to a retaining tank request tied to Lot 88 in the Linnwood development area. Officials said the holding tank would be temporary until sewer infrastructure is completed.
