Corry to build a $40 million treatment plant to reduce pollutants discharged in Hare Creek

Corry: The city’s wastewater treatment plant has been letting out more pollutants into Hare Creek than allowed. This is a big deal because it goes against the Clean Water Act.

To fix this, Corry is gearing up to build a new treatment plant, and it’s going to cost around $40 million. This new facility is part of a plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

They’ve also agreed to take some quick actions to cut down on the discharges while the new plant is being built. It’s a step in the right direction.

So, what’s been happening? Well, between February 2019 and September 2022, the plant exceeded its discharge limits into Hare Creek 15 times. That’s according to an EPA inspection from May 2023.

The Clean Water Act has strict rules about what can be released from treatment plants, and it looks like Corry’s plant didn’t measure pollutants correctly. They found stuff like fecal coliform, which comes from waste, and other pollutants like copper and some chemicals used in plastics.

Plus, the plant didn’t have a solid plan in place to prevent these discharges or conduct regular inspections. That’s a big no-no when it comes to keeping our waterways clean.

Looking ahead, the plant on Sciota Street serves about 6,000 to 8,000 residents in Corry and nearby areas. It was built to handle up to 3.5 million gallons of wastewater each day.

Corry and its municipal authority are on the hunt for grants or low-interest loans to help pay for the new plant, which will have a bigger treatment capacity.

Once they get the funding and the necessary permits, construction will kick off. It’s expected to take about two years to complete.

Oh, and by the way, there’s a new CEO at Viking Plastics in Corry. Exciting times!

For more info, you can reach out to Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.

This article first appeared in Erie Times-News, highlighting the need for a new $40 million treatment plant in Corry.