A Regional Sewer Plan to Address an Aging System
Kline’s Island Sewer System (KISS) is the regional wastewater system that serves Allentown and 14 other communities in Lehigh County. The system includes nearly 1,000 miles of pipes and large sewer lines that carry sewage from each municipal system to the treatment plant in Allentown, where it is treated to the highest possible environmental standards and discharged to the Lehigh River.
The Pipeline to Thriving Communities
Some parts of our sewer system are 100 years old. As the system’s pipes deteriorate with age, the pipes are also handling their maximum capacity, making the problem worse. During storms, rainwater can flow into the system, resulting in raw sewage overflowing from manholes, backing up into basements, and entering local waterways.
We’re working on a regional solution that will upgrade, rehabilitate, and expand our sewer system to meet the needs of residents and businesses for decades to come.
About 270,000 people rely on the Kline’s Island Sewer System to treat 32 million gallons of wastewater daily.
The System’s Challenges
Most KISS communities struggle with deteriorating infrastructure that is 50 to 100 years old, causing leakage and sewer overflows
Aging Infrastructure
Our infrastructure is not designed for wet weather events that infiltrate the system, making sewer overflows worse
Size of Infrastructure
Capacity for New Connections
Many system components are at capacity, stalling potential economic development
and growth
System overflows and permit violations have increased regulatory oversight and restricted new connections; creating pressure to take action
Regulatory Oversight
Working Together to Keep Our Communities Healthy
Since the 1960s, the 15 municipalities have collaborated to build sewer infrastructure to meet the region’s needs. Now, we are creating a plan to address the major system upgrades needed. This is a critical plan for every community in the region—it’s the largest investment our region has ever made to protect public health and the environment.
The plan’s critical elements include rehabilitating municipal sewers, expanding system capacity, understanding how the solution will affect sewer rates, and identifying sources of funding. These updates are anticipated to cost about $600 million.
The Kline’s Island Sewer System plan is being developed to meet the comprehensive regulations included in the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, also called an “Act 537 Plan.” The plan requires approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Act 537 ensures every community has approved the plan and that the Kline’s Island Sewer System plan is developed to meet strict environmental laws and regulations. All municipalities’ sewer plans fall under Pennsylvania Act 537.
Act 537 Means
DEP Oversight
Plans are subject to strict environmental regulations
Two Sets of Approval
Before the plan goes to DEP, it must be approved by each municipality
Roadmap for Success
To be approved, the plan must include comprehensive details about the system, planned projects, funding, customer impacts, and more
Kline’s Island Sewer System Act 537 Plan Timeline
The Kline’s Island Sewer System Act 537 Plan is a huge undertaking by all the municipalities in our region. To ensure the plan complies with strict environmental regulations and serves each community appropriately, it will take several years to complete. Below is an anticipated timeline for the plan’s development and implementation.
Initial Planning Phase
Engineering, flow modeling, and municipal growth projections
2019 - 2023
Develop Solutions
Project concepts created with cost estimates and municipal input
Begin seeking input from elected officials and the community
2023
2024
Refine with Public Input
Evaluate financial impacts and sewer rate projections
Incorporate public input into final plan documents
2025
Approval Process
15 municipalities vote on the plan and associated intermunicipal agreements
Submit Regional Act 537 Plan to DEP by March 2025
2026 - 2035
Implement the Plan