Leechburg is taking a step toward improving pollution mitigation in the borough.
According to council Vice President Chuck Pascal, the borough will be installing two new stormceptors in the borough, which help separate and remove pollutants in stormwater.
“This was identified as a weakness in our system, so we have to replace them,” Pascal said.
He said that while sewage and stormwater are separated, runoff water from the street was carrying in sediment including salt, stones, metals and oils. The updated stormceptors are intended to separate these things from the water that flows into the river.
The work is expected to begin in the summer as the borough’s pollution reduction plan, also known as the MS4 plan, said Leechburg mayor Doreen Smeal. She said the borough’s engineer has been working with council for years to acquire grants for the project.
“It’s got to be three or four years at this point,” Smeal said.
The work will be completed using a $100,000 Small Water and Sewer grant from the state. The borough is required to match $15,000, or 15% of the grant.
“We did not think we were going to get (the grant),” Smeal said. “Now we’re planning next steps.”
Once started, the project is supposed to take a few weeks to complete, Pascal said.
“It shouldn’t affect residents because (the stormceptors) are underground and closer to the river,” Pascal said. “No streets will be affected.”
