The Amity Township Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) continues to be an important investment since the $3.1
million dollar expansion/upgrade. Extension of existing lines and the addition of pumping stations has increased
the service area to reach the far northern end of the Township. The Township has undertaken improving the lines
in the Park Lane area to service eastern and southern areas of the Township.
Completion of the plant processing facilities provides for the processing of 2.2 million gallons of sewage per day
with both primary and secondary treatment utilizing an oxidation ditch and lagoon. Two types of sludge are
generated through this process: aerobic sludge and anaerobic sludge. Aerobic sludge is distributed on to reed
beds for dewatering. The reed beds last for up to (7) years before the sludge must be removed and disposed of
at a landfill. The reeds either rejuvenate, or they are preplanted to perpetuate the process. This process reduces
the amount of sludge to be taken off site, minimizing disposal costs. Anaerobic sludge is run through a press for
dewatering before being taken to a landfill. Each year approximately 250 tons of sludge is landfilled. The
equalization lagoon is in use during high flows caused by heavy rains and flooding conditions. the lagoon is also
used as a storage facility for leachate as it awaits processing through the plant facility. First service was provided
to the Amity Gardens area by the developer as early as 1964 and later a small plant and those lines were
dedicated to Amity Township in 1970. Since that time Amity Township has built a larger plant and expanded it
twice. The Amity Township WWTP was designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
as the regional host facility accepting sewage from neighboring Douglass, Union and Earl Townships as well as
Amity.
The WWTP employees are responsible for the maintenance of the plant, seven pump stations, 65 miles of sewer
lines, 7 miles of wooded area, stream crossings and right-of-ways, etc. Each year the reed beds used to
process the aerobic sludge must be harvested and disposed of at the landfill and a new crop planted. Through a
series of belt feeders and processing with a filter press, anaerobic sludge is transported twice a year to the
Western Berks landfill. Current staffing at the plant consists of the Plant Superintendent, David Wheeler; Plant
Operator, Thomas Orr; Roger Greiss, Randy Maguire, Bill Lingenfelter and Paul Darrah, Maintenance. All routine
maintenance is handled daily, as well as most repairs to the plant and pump equipment.
Schooling and certifications routinely involve 230 hours of training of all wastewater personnel. Besides the
knowledge needed to operate this plant, the Township has cross-trained and utilizes the efforts of plant
personnel to assist in the winter seasonal operations of the entire Township. Several employees currently carry
their CDL licensing and assist the Road Crew in plowing and cindering the Township roads.
Acquisition of additional equipment such as a one ton pickup truck and possibly a flush truck will help facilitate
service to the Township WWTP and collection systems but also assist the Road Department for wash downs and
winter maintenance.
The new state-of-the-art alarm monitoring systems have been installed at the pump stations and at the main plant,
enabling the staff to dedicate time to projects while keeping a watchful eye on the processing of the daily routine.
The entire staff carries cell phones and through the Berks Communications System someone can respond to
emergency situations 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day.
Membership in the "Pennsylvania One-Call System" also keeps the Plant Operator advised of other utility
companies or contractors who will be excavating or constructing in close proximity to the Amity Township
sewage lines and the staff is required to go to the site and mark the location of the lines.
Given the age of some of the existing lines constant inflow and infiltration is monitored annually. This I & I process
is continual monitoring of the collection system lines and manholes for storm water and ground water entering the
system. After identifying leaks and their source, re-grouting and repairs to manholes and collection lines are
made. In certain instances, if the I & I is bad enough, new lines will replace the damaged ones. Annually the
Board of Supervisors prepares a budget which provides for priority status to be given to existing lines for repair.
Anticipation of usage, age of the system and costs are reviewed to assure the program will continue with nominal
increases to Amity Township residents.