Lower Nazareth Township homeowners want drainage improvement added to sewer project

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Christian Springs Road homeowners in Lower Nazareth Township say installation of a sewer line for the Trio Farms development has drawn mosquitoes, hurt drainage and caused residents to breathe harmful dust.
Crews began working on the sewer line in June and the project is to finish in the spring.

Homeowners who plan to pack Wednesday’s supervisors meeting say their street has been overpowered with dust during work. They say it covered their houses and cars and got into their hair and clothes.

Children at the bus stop complained of congestion and mosquito bites, according to parents.

“I couldn’t have the kids play outside because it was getting so heavy and thick in the air that when they blew their nose, it would come out black,” said Ann-Marie Troxel, who has two sons with special needs. “I can’t have them out there. They have enough problems.”

Kim Goerlich, who lives at 4342 Christian Springs Road, said wiping off dust from the bus stops left brown residue on tissues.

“We had to have the house closed up,” she said. “You couldn’t open the windows.”

“I’m cutting my grass and I have dust in my contacts,” said Carlton Glantz, who lives at 4359 Christian Springs Road.

The homeowners want the township to pay for professional power washers to clean their houses. Representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation washed the road once after homeowners called the DEP to complain.

Township Manager Timm Tenges said the township has since temporarily paved the road to get rid of dirt and dust. After winter, he said, crews will rip up the road again and resurface it.

Tenges acknowledged a dust problem and said speeding drivers didn’t help.

“That's unfortunate. We tried very hard,” Tenges said. “The board is aware there are issues, but those issues are pretty much gone. This is a temporary situation."

David Goerlich, Kim’s husband, said homeowners received letters from the township in June listing fixes to help with drainage. The residents have dealt with flooded basements since the development was constructed in 2006, he said.

The homeowners contend crews have yet to put in drains or culverts as promised in the letter, and they want to see a storm water drainage plan drafted by supervisors.

The letter says the Easton Suburban Water Authority would build a new water main to eliminate standing water.

Dave Goerlich said the water problem is "just getting worse and worse."

Tenges said cross pipes and catch basins could be built near the homes. He also said supervisors want an easement from the owners of the former Nazareth Speedway to build a pipe that would help drain water from Christian Springs.

“We have worked tirelessly to try to address their concerns,” Tenges said.

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