Northeastern York County Sewer Authority History
The Manchester-Mt. Wolf Sewer Authority was formed on April 30, 1959, to serve the Boroughs of Manchester and Mount Wolf. Construction of the original wastewater treatment plant was completed on December 7, 1961. In 1978, the Smith Garden area of East Manchester Township was connected to public sewer.
The Northeastern York County Sewer Authority was created in 1986, in anticipation of the sewer expansion into East Manchester Township. This current Authority is composed of two members from each of the three municipalities it serves, Manchester Borough, Mount Wolf Borough and East Manchester Township. These members are appointed by their respective municipalities for a five year term.
In 1987 and 1988, the wastewater treatment plant was upgraded from 0.4 million gallons per day to 1.7 million gallons per day.
From that time on, the service area expanded rapidly to include not only existing homes within portions of East Manchester Township, but several new developments in the area as well, including Manchester Crossings, Dauberton, Sherman Oaks, Chestnut Valley, Orchard View and Orchard Business Park, Northern Heights and Rolling Meadows.
In 2005, Newberry Township requested sewer service for the Conewago Heights area. Newberry Township then constructed a sewer line from Conewago Heights across the creek and connected it to a Northeastern line. Newberry Township then became a metered customer.
In 2007, East Manchester Township requested the village of Saginaw be sewered. A determination was made that a new wastewater plant in Saginaw would be more efficient than adding on to the existing plant. This 350,000 gallon per day plant was built and is now serving the residents of Saginaw, Long Road, and all property owners south of Long Road down to include the Sherman Oaks Development.
In 2009, because of new regulations regarding phosphorous and nitrogen discharges that affect the Chesapeake Bay, the main plant was again in need of an upgrade to meet these new, tougher standards. On August 27, 2010, the new $5,600,000 plant was put on line and effluent from this plant easily meets and exceeds the new standards.
To assist in paying for this $5,600,000, the Sewer Authority applied for grants. A $500,000 Growing Greener Grant was obtained from the State as a result of using new treatment technologies and a CFA (Commonwealth Financial Authority) $3,600,000 grant was acquired from the State, (the largest CFA grant received by any treatment plant in York County). The balance of the funds required were borrowed through Susquehanna Bank using Build America Bonds. These grants and financing enabled the Authority to keep customer rate increases as minimal as possible.
In 2010, 5.2 acres of land was purchased in Mt. Wolf Borough, previously used as a parking lot for New York Wire Company. A new administration building and garages were completed in June of 2012. These buildings are powered by solar energy in keeping with the Authority’s commitment to caring for the environment.
Today the Northeastern York County Sewer Authority serves 4,109 customers as shown below:
- Manchester Borough: 1,247
- Mt. Wolf Borough: 667
- East Manchester Township: 2,192
- Manchester Township: 2
- Newberry Township: 1
The Northeastern York County Sewer Authority continues to maintain high standards of treatment to protect our environment and our customers, now and in the future.