Capital Region Water is seeking a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from environmental review through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Phase 4 PENNVEST SW Pro-FI Project.

We are accepting written comments from the public for 30 days following the publication of this Public Notice. Written comments can be mailed to:

Capital Region Water, 3003 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

The work is geographically located at Midtown (4th Street between Harris and Reily Streets and Harris Street between Fulton and Logan Streets), Boys & Girls Club (1227 Berryhill Street), Peffer (4th and Peffer Streets), and Swatara (430-418 S 15th Street). This Project focuses on four green stormwater infrastructure sites within the City of Harrisburg. The work on these projects includes right-of-way green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and community gathering spaces with adjacent rain gardens and swales on vacant lots and a community center site. Elements within these projects include, but are not limited to, installation of subsurface detention, porous pavement and porous asphalt, tree pits, sidewalk planters, stormwater bumpouts, drainage system improvements including inlets and connected laterals, site furnishings and planting, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps. This project qualifies for a CE because due diligence agency reviews relating to endangered species, archaeological/historical sites, and fish & wildlife resources did not indicate any adverse impact from this project. This project’s cost and subsequent operational cost savings were integrated into 2022 user fees as part of the rate setting process. Supporting documents are available for review by submitting a request to:

Capital Region Water, c/o 4 PENNVEST SW Pro-FI Project, 3003 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Capital Region Water can be contacted by phone at 888‑510‑0606 or by email at info@capitalregionwater.com ATTN “4 PENNVEST SW Pro-FI Project”.

Capital Region Water’s Chapter 94 Annual Wasteload Management Report for 2021 and Semi-Annual Report on Consent Decree Implementation is now available to access online. Section 4 of the report provides an assessment of the City Beautiful H₂O Program and Capital Region Water’s wet weather compliance with Partial Consent Decree requirements.

Submission of the report is a regulatory requirement for Capital Region Water. It provides a performance summary of the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) that treats the wastewater of 130,000 residents in and nearby Harrisburg. The report also summarizes the condition of the systems which collect and convey stormwater and wastewater for treatment and serves to report on the progress Capital Region Water is making to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) events, which are a result of our outdated, aging infrastructure.

“In 2021, we met all requirements of the AWTF permit which allows CRW to discharge treated wastewater to the Susquehanna River,” said Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “Additionally, we fulfilled the requirements of the Partial Consent Decree under this reporting period from July 1 to December 31, 2021. This includes progress in developing and implementing maintenance and improvements programs and projects. But managing stormwater remains Capital Region Water’s biggest challenge.”

In 2015, Capital Region Water entered into a Partial Consent Decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the management of the combined, sanitary, and storm sewer systems, as well as the pumping stations and AWTF.

During dry weather or light rainfall events, both stormwater and wastewater go to the AWTF for treatment before clean water is released into the Susquehanna River. During moderate to heavy rainfall events, or due to pipe obstruction caused by debris or commercial fats, the combined system reaches capacity and a mixture of sewage and stormwater overflows into the Susquehanna River and/or Paxton Creek. These permitted combined sewer overflow (CSO) events are a symptom of CRW’s aged infrastructure, not an operational choice, and there is no easy solution or cheap fix to the problem. Harrisburg is one of nearly 860 communities nationwide managing a combined sewer system, including over 100 communities in Pennsylvania.

Capital Region Water captured and treated 87 percent of all combined sewage and stormwater in 2021 (by comparison, CRW captured and treated 92 percent in 2020), and on average treats 90 percent annually. The 13 percent that went untreated last year was primarily the result of heavy rains that overwhelmed Harrisburg’s aging and undersized infrastructure. Five of the largest 91 storm events that occurred in 2021 account for nearly 50 percent of the total CSO overflow volume for the year, including one such storm related to Hurricane Ida which exceeded the rainfall intensity associated with a 500-year storm event.

Other notable highlights of the 2021 Report include over 200 inspections under the Fats, Oils, and Grease Program, operation and maintenance enhancements to the street sweeping program, and completion of various capital improvements projects. Nine new rain gardens, four storage/infiltration trenches, and eight trees trenches for stormwater management have been added in Harrisburg. Upgrade to a major sewage pumping station, which replaced failing mechanical equipment and increased pumping capacity by 50 percent to increase CSO capture, was also completed.

Capital Region Water continues to meet with regulatory oversight agencies to discuss a modification to the Partial Consent Decree, including a 10-year project list which when completed will ensure compliance with the USEPA capture threshold for all wet weather discharge. Additional capital projects planned for 2022 include rehabilitation to the sewage conveyance systems, specifically the Front Street Interceptor, which was originally constructed in 1911, and two new green stormwater infrastructure systems in the Camp Curtin and Bellevue Park neighborhoods.

Since its inception in 2013, Capital Region Water has invested more than $170 million to improve our water and wastewater infrastructure, address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects that stretches back decades, and collaborate with ratepayers and stakeholders to meet our most pressing local needs while fulfilling state and federal clean water requirements.

City Beautiful H₂O is Capital Region Water’s integrated planning program to address system-wide infrastructure deterioration and restore and beautify our neighborhoods through community greening. We are investing millions of dollars to repair aging infrastructure, reduce combined sewer overflows, control backups onto streets and into basements to improve the quality of local waterways, and protect public health and safety. An additional $200 million in investment in our wastewater and stormwater systems is expected over the next two decades.

To learn more, please visit https://capitalregionwater.com/what-we-do/cbh2o/. Customers with specific questions can contact Capital Region Water’s at 888-510-0606 or via email at info@capitalregionwater.com.

Service Terminations for Delinquent Accounts Resume in April

Capital Region Water reminds customers facing hardship to apply for financial assistance. Customers are encouraged to reach out to Capital Region Water if help is needed to pay for water and wastewater services. Various options are available to assist with past due balances and prevent service termination.

Capital Region Water is resuming service termination for delinquent accounts in April. A self-imposed winter moratorium on service terminations between December 1 and March 31 is now expiring.

“It is always our goal to keep customers connected and keep water flowing”, said Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “We have a Customer Assistance Program designed to prevent customers from falling behind on their accounts. We just need you to contact us and we can assist in determining eligibility for assistance.”

Customers can contact the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606 to discuss account specifics. Capital Region Water is working closely with state and local agencies to accept grant funds on behalf of customers. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides a crisis grant for drinking water service and a second crisis grant for wastewater service, up to $2500 each. Crisis situations include past-due water bills and notice of service termination. The program is administered by the PA Department of Human Services. To learn more or apply, visit dhs.pa.gov/waterhelp.

Customers may also be eligible to receive an additional $200 credit under Capital Region Water’s Customer Assistance Program. Payment plan options are also available directly through Capital Region Water. The terms of payment plans have been modified to allow customers the option of using credit assistance toward a down payment. Further information is available at capitalregionwater.com/customer-support/customer-assistance-program/.

As a municipal authority, Capital Region Water does not make a profit. All rate revenue is invested back into the operation and improvement of our water systems. Increasing delinquency rates and accumulating customer bills over the winter months have a subsequent financial impact. In providing assistance options to those that need support, Capital Region Water intends to equitable remedy the rate of unpaid accounts to avoid passing revenue losses on to all customers.

Capital Region Water’s Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm. Customers with questions can contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or via email at info@capitalregionwater.com.

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Monday, March 21, 2022 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or writing to 3003 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049 Date distributed: 3/30/2022

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Hiervan el agua antes de usarla.

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable.  Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

We routinely monitor the conditions in the distribution system. On Monday, March 21, 2022 we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a water main break at 1225 Thompson Streetin Harrisburg. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back-siphonage.  As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain bacteria that can make you sick.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.  You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.

We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center, 888-510-0606

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by: Capital Region Water, PWS ID#: 7220049      Date distributed: 3/21/2022

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Thursday, March 3, 2022 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or writing to 3003 N. Front Street, Harrisburg PA 17110 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049 Date distributed: 3/5/2022

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING – Hiervan el agua antes de usarla.

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable.  Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

We routinely monitor the conditions in the distribution system. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a water main break at 106, 108, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 128, 131, 136, 137, 141,142, 143, 144, 147, & 149 Balm St. in Harrisburg. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back-siphonage.  As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain bacteria that can make you sick.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.  You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.

What happened and what is being done?

A water main break created a low/no pressure situation at this location. Efforts are underway to isolate the leak and restore normal system level and pressure as quickly as possible.

We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center, 888-510-0606

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by: Capital Region Water, PWS ID#: 7220049      Date distributed: 3/22/2022

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Friday, February 18, 2022 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or writing to 100 Pine Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049

Date distributed: February 20, 2022

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Hiervan el agua antes de usarla.

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable.  Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

We routinely monitor the conditions in the distribution system. On Friday, February 18, 2022, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a water main break impacting 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1716, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1720, 1721, and 1722 Boas Street also 919 and 1001 N. 17^th Street in Harrisburg. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back-siphonage.  As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain bacteria that can make you sick.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.  You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.

What happened and what is being done?

A water main break created a low/no pressure situation at this location. Efforts are underway to isolate the leak and restore normal system level and pressure as quickly as possible.

We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center, 888-510-0606

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by: Capital Region Water, PWS ID#: 7220049     

Date distributed: February 18, 2022

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Friday, February 11, 2022, of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or write to 100 Pine Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049 Date distributed: 02/13/2022

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