NBCJMA 2025 Chapter 94 Municipal Wasteload Management Briefing
Executive Summary
The 2025 Chapter 94 Municipal Wasteload Management Report for the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) details the operational status, maintenance activities, and future growth projections for the wastewater collection system serving Newtown Township and Newtown Borough.
Key findings for the 2025 calendar year include:
- Infrastructure Integrity: No new sewer extensions were constructed in 2025. However, significant rehabilitation was performed, including the replacement of 2,600 linear feet (LF) of pipe in the Penns Commons area.
- Aggressive I/I Mitigation: The Authority continues its long-standing Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) program. Recent efforts focused on the Newtown Crossing area (Meter Site #1), where joint testing of Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP) revealed a 44.82% failure rate, requiring over 6,100 gallons of grout to seal.
- Capacity and Compliance: The system did not experience capacity-related bypassing, Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs), or surcharging during the report year. All five pumping stations remain within their design capacities, though the Colonial Commons Pumping Station is slated for replacement in 2026.
- Future Growth: Substantial development is projected over the next five years, most notably the Steeple View project in Newtown Borough (read “Newtown Borough's Steeple View Property Sold to Jim Worthington”) and the 661 Penn St. development in Newtown Township (read “From Office Buildings to Residential High-Rises: A "Pivotal" Project Proposal for #NewtownPA Commons”).
General Authority Information
The NBCJMA operates as the permittee for a collection system tributary to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). The system primarily serves Newtown Township and Newtown Borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permittee Name | Newtown Bucks County, Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) |
| Municipality | Newtown Township and Newtown Borough |
| Manager | Mike Menditto |
| Consultant | GFT, Inc. |
| System Type | Collection system with 5 pumping stations |
Sewer System Monitoring and Maintenance
The NBCJMA has maintained a dedicated I/I program since 1997. This program utilizes monitoring, cleaning, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections, and systematic repairs to maintain system integrity.
2025 Rehabilitation Highlights
The Authority conducted extensive work to address aging infrastructure, particularly focusing on Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP), which is susceptible to I/I due to joints every four feet.
- Newtown Crossing Area (Meter Site #1):
- Contracted Sewer Specialty Services, Inc. to televise and test approximately 25,400 LF of sewer.
- Joint Testing: 4,358 joints were air-tested; 2,165 failed (44.82% failure rate).
- Grouting: 6,152.6 gallons of grout were used to seal failed joints.
- Pipe Patches: 46 specific areas with cracked pipes or root intrusion were repaired using 2-foot to 4-foot pipe patches.
- Penns Commons Area:
- Replaced 2,600 LF of 8-inch VCP.
- Replaced 11 manholes and approximately 55 laterals.
- Scheduled 825 LF of lining for 2026.
- Routine Maintenance: NBCJMA field personnel performed visual rain event inspections, root cutting, and easement maintenance (cutting grass and removing trees) across various drainage areas.
Pumping Station Performance and Capacity
The NBCJMA manages five pumping stations: College, Colonial Commons, Eagleton Farms, Eagle Glen, and Linton Hill.
Pumping Station Flow Data (2025)
All stations operated well within their maximum pumping rates (design capacity).
| Pumping Station | 2025 Avg. Flow (MGD) | Projected 2027 Flow (MGD) | Design Capacity (MGD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Commons | 0.081 | 0.082 | 0.202 |
| College | 0.092 | 0.092 | 0.432 |
| Eagleton Farms | 0.014* | 0.015 | 0.046 |
| Eagle Glen | 0.024 | 0.026 | 0.058 |
| Linton Hill | 0.012 | 0.015 | 0.190 |
*Note: The flow meter at Eagleton Farms was repaired in April 2025; early 2025 data is based on 2023 figures.
Infrastructure Upgrades
- Colonial Commons: A Water Quality Management (WQM) permit has been issued for the replacement of this station. Construction by Toll Brothers is anticipated for mid-2026, with the station becoming operational in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Eagleton Farms: Non-routine maintenance included the installation of a new flow meter (April 2025) and a new transfer switch.
Development and Connection Projections
While no new sewer extensions were constructed in 2025, the Authority anticipates significant connection activity through 2030. These projections are coordinated with the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) to ensure compliance with the Connection Management Plan (CMP) for the Neshaminy Interceptor.
Significant Future Projects (EDU Projections)
| Development Name | Municipality | Total Projected EDUs |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 661 Penn St* | Newtown Township | 308 |
| 2. Goodnoe Farmstead* | Newtown Township | 56 |
| 3. Steeple View (Phases 1 & 2)* | Newtown Borough | 106 |
| 4. AOP/Lyondale (Toll Bros) | Newtown Township | 44 |
| 5. 413 Durham Rd (Day Care/Medical Center) | Newtown Township | 12 |
Conclusion
The NBCJMA collection system is currently in stable condition, with no capacity-related overflows reported in 2025. The Authority’s proactive approach to I/I—specifically the high-volume grouting and pipe replacement projects—remains critical to managing the aged VCP components of the network. Ongoing coordination regarding the Connection Management Plan ensures that the projected residential and non-residential growth will be accommodated within the existing and planned infrastructure.
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