Wilkes-Barre - The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit that will allow Pocono Township, Monroe County, to discharge up to 2 million gallons of treated sewage per day to Brodhead Creek.

“DEP reviewed this discharge application carefully, considered the comments and data we received from the public, and established stringent limits to protect the stream,” said Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin.

The permit is part of an overall plan to address wastewater treatment and disposal needs for the Route 611 corridor in Pocono and Hamilton townships. The plan, which was approved by DEP in December 2006, also provides capacity for Sanofi Pasteur’s future wastewater needs, in addition to the company’s planned on-site wastewater treatment capabilities.

The project includes building a tertiary wastewater treatment plant in Pocono Township, along with pump stations and sewer collection lines to convey treated wastewater from the plant to the discharge point on Brodhead Creek. The point is below the Brodhead Creek Regional Authority’s intake structure in Stroud Township.

Bedrin noted that the Delaware River Basin Commission reviewed and approved of this project in a docket issued December 2006.

Based on comments and data submitted during the public comment period, DEP determined that the existing use for the Brodhead Creek at the point of the proposed discharge is Cold Water Fishes and Migratory Fishes. Accordingly, the permit contains monitoring and reporting requirements for temperature, both of the discharge and of the Brodhead Creek.

Pocono Township has submitted applications for part of the sewage collection system and an associated stormwater discharge permit. The township must still obtain Water Quality Management permits to build the treatment plant and remaining parts of the collection system, and a Water Obstruction and Encroachment permit for streams and wetlands crossings.

At the request of the public, DEP will hold a hearing soon on the applications currently before the department. The date, time and location of the hearing will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and a local newspaper 30 days in advance. DEP received comment and data from the public on the NPDES discharge permit, but no request for a public hearing.

This action can be appealed to the Environmental Hearing Board.