"Sanitary sewer and combined sewer overflows pose a huge risk to surrounding communities, both from a human health perspective as well as degradation of the environment," John Brinjac explained.

HARRISBURG, PA -- Brinjac Engineering, one of Pennsylvania's largest and leading engineering consulting firms, was contracted to find solutions to the Greater Williamsport area's combined sewer overflow problems.

The 30-month study is being conducted by Brinjac and two partnering engineering firms to determine appropriate sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) and combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction goals based on regulatory objectives. Additionally, the study will identify a cost-effective set of economically-feasible alternatives to reduce the amount and frequency of SSO and CSO discharges. When completed, the study will: 1) document a cost-effective approach for removing the maximum, economically-viable amount of inflow and infiltration (I/I) in the Williamsport sewer service area, 2) identify and quantify constraints in the collection system, 3) assess the utilization of existing wastewater treatment plant capacity, and 4) present recommendations for revisions to a long-term I/I control plan.

"Years ago, storm and sanitary systems were connected so that sewage would wash into the river at times of heavy rain," John Brinjac, P.E., president of Brinjac Engineering, commented. "Also, older sewer systems are subject to tremendous amounts of infiltration and inflow, which can also result in the discharge of untreated wastewater to the river during rain events. Today, sanitary sewer and combined sewer overflows pose a huge risk to surrounding communities, both from a human health perspective as well as degradation of the environment. We are excited to begin work on such a complex and important study."

The engineering study is part of a $2.7-million "combined sewer overflow" program, funded 95 percent by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Engineering a better future since 1955, Brinjac Engineering, Inc., provides a variety of engineering services across the state through its fully staffed offices in Harrisburg; Philadelphia; Lehigh Valley; Williamsport; Hunt Valley, MD; and Washington, DC. For further information about the firm, please visit www.brinjac.com. For additional copies of this news release, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 975-2148, kgross@hersheyphilbin.com, or visit the newsroom at www.hersheyphilbin.com.