Published: July 06, 2009 03:12 pm      

Something smells in Ebensburg

Not unexpectedly, Ebensburg Borough and Cambria Township are experiencing growing pains.

In this case, the smell of sewage is infiltrating the noses of residents within a whiff’s distance of the borough sewage plant.

It’s a problem government leaders saw coming years ago but failed – or for whatever reasons were unable – to stop.

But the blame also can be shared by new homeowners and developers who failed to heed warnings that additional housing in the vicinity of the site could compromise a natural barrier for odors emanating from the plant.

Borough officials reported last week that they have been receiving growing complaints about the sewage odor.

While acknowledging frustration in seeking a solution to clear the air, they added that they are aware that sewage smells and that’s why the treatment plant was located in a remote, wooded area off Route 22 in the first place.

However, houses are now within 900 feet of the plant and with woods being cleared for even more development, complaints officials worried about a few years ago are reality today.

The good news is that, according to borough Manager Dan Penatzer, everything possible is being done to address the situation.

State environmental officials have inspected the plant on several occasions in response to complaints, Penatzer said, adding, “In all cases, the inspector has found the plant to be functioning properly.”

Penatzer further stated that upgrades are being made and that staff at the plant have been experimenting with changes in treatment procedures.

We’re reminded of past problems with sewage smell at Windber Area Authority’s Ingleside plant off Route 219 south of Richland Township’s residential area.

Complaints began back in the 1990s and continued until a new, $20 million plant went online in 2006.

The plant now contains state-of-the-art technology, which can treat most sewage faster, more efficiently and with less odor.

Better equipment or better maintenance might be one answer for Ebensburg’s problems. Both could prove to be extremely costly.

Meanwhile, it might serve as a reminder to all of us that, although we oppose ever-growing government oversight, there are times when not enough can be just as bad.