Pa. American says project will remedy historic contamination
To replace the water systems serving two West Caln Township mobile home parks and a campground near the site of historic contamination, Pennsylvania American Water announced Monday the start of installation of new water lines.
Pennsylvania American Water said it will build the approximately $450,000 pipeline to extend water service from its Coatesville area system. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the contaminated site might have the potential to affect the water sources for Highpoint Estates and Spring Hill Estates mobile home parks, as well as the Hidden Acres Campground. Some of the contamination issues might date as far back as the 1950s, a Pennsylvania American Water news release said.
In addition to contamination that was traced to the William Dick Lagoons Superfund site just south of Telegraph Road, the existing water system at Highpoint Estates experienced structural problems in one of its main supply wells. DEP supported Pennsylvania American Water in its design and construction of a pipeline to extend water service for 34 households in the mobile home parks and the adjacent campground, the release said.
The planned water line will also front approximately 12 additional residences along Toby Road with private wells. These homes had been using water filters due to trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination in the groundwater.
“A permanent water line provides the best long-term option for these residents,” DEP Southeast Regional Director Cosmo Servidio said. “By extending the water line to 46 households, Pennsylvania American Water is providing them with a reliable source of safe drinking water.”
Starting this week, Pennsylvania American Water’s contractor Fidelity Contracting will install approximately 8,300 feet of ductile iron water main starting at Ambleside Way in the Calnshire Estates residential development and continue along Toby Road to the two mobile home parks and campground. In addition, the new water line will include four new fire hydrants.
“This public-private partnership brings together state and local officials with Pennsylvania American Water to provide a permanent solution for these residents who have lived near this contaminated site,” said James Gable, operations superintendent for Pennsylvania American Water’s Coatesville District.
Pennsylvania American Water expects to complete construction and begin water service to the affected residents by April 2014, weather permitting.
