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We prioritize transparency and collaboration in our relationships with existing customers and regional developers.
WEWJA works with customers, developers, engineers, and property owners to connections to the public sewer system are completed in a safe, efficient, and compliant manner.
From simple rehabilitations to existing laterals to complex residential developments, our team coordinates each step of the process to ensure proposed work aligns with our technical standards, and regulatory requirements.
Permitting process for existing connections
Begin the permitting process with WEWJA before starting any work on an existing sewer lateral to ensure proper approval and inspection.
Repairs or improvements to an existing sewer lateral require coordination with the Authority to ensure the work meets system standards and is properly inspected. Property owners must submit a permit application and pay the required inspection fee prior to starting work. All work must be reviewed and approved by WEWJA, and the connection must remain exposed for inspection before the trench is backfilled. This process helps protect the integrity of the public sewer system and ensures the repair is completed correctly.
Permitting process for new connections
Begin working with WEWJA early in the development process to ensure all requirements are met before you break ground.
Connecting a new development to the public sewer system involves several coordinated steps designed to protect system reliability and ensure compliance with state and local requirements. The Authority works closely with developers throughout the process to review plans, confirm wastewater capacity, and guide projects through the required approvals.
Pre-development meeting
Clarifies requirements and identifies potential issues early. Schedule a meeting today.
Approval of wastewater estimations
Establishes the peak daily discharge of wastewater from the proposed development
Sewage planning
Confirms the sewer system can collect, convey and treat the proposed wastewater discharges.
Sewer connection permits
Authorizes construction and connection to the public sewer system.
Inspection and final approval process
Verifies installation and approves the connection for service.
Pre-development meeting
Early coordination helps identify potential issues before plans are finalized, reducing the risk of delays or costly revisions later in the project.
Developers are required to schedule a pre-development meeting with the Authority before beginning the permitting process. This meeting provides an opportunity to review the proposed project, discuss potential system considerations, and identify required documentation or approvals.
Sewage planning (Act 537)
Pennsylvania requires wastewater planning coordination to ensure new development can be properly served by public sewer systems.
Pennsylvania’s Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) requires municipalities to plan for how wastewater from homes, businesses, and new developments will be safely collected, conveyed, and treated. The law ensures that new projects do not exceed the capacity of existing sewer infrastructure and that wastewater is managed in a way that protects public health and local waterways. As part of the development process, projects may need to complete Act 537 planning documentation that evaluates projected wastewater flows and confirms that adequate treatment capacity is available.
For developers within the WEWJA service area, Act 537 planning is an important early step in determining how a project can connect to the public sewer system. Before advancing too far into design or permitting, developers should coordinate with the Authority to review wastewater flow estimates, discuss potential connection points, and determine whether Act 537 planning modules or additional approvals may be required. Scheduling a pre-development meeting early in the process can help identify requirements, avoid delays, and ensure projects align with the Authority’s system capacity and planning framework.
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Sewage planning approval is required before construction of any sewer connections.
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WEWJA will make an initial determination on whether a development will require sewage planning, based on wastewater estimations and project characteristics
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Some projects require a formal planning module submission to state regulators, which can take up to six (6) months to complete
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Early coordination with the local sewer authority helps prevent delays.
Sewer connection permits
Securing a permit ensures all connections are properly permitted before work begins.
Before construction of a new sewer connection can occur, developers must obtain a Sewer Connection Permit from the Authority. The permit confirms that the project meets applicable technical standards and that the proposed connection has been reviewed and approved.
Construction details
Following approved construction standards helps prevent future failures, leaks, or maintenance issues within the system.
All sewer connections must be constructed according to Authority specifications and approved construction details. These requirements help ensure the long-term integrity of the collection system and protect public infrastructure from improper installation or materials.
Inspection and final approval process
Final inspection confirms the connection was installed correctly and protects both the developer and the Authority from potential system problems.
Once construction is complete, Authority staff will inspect the connection to confirm it was installed in accordance with approved plans and standards. Following a successful inspection and final approval, the connection may be completed and service can begin.
