Chester County Lawmaker Calls For Sewer Sale Moratorium

CHESTER COUNTY —A Chester County state lawmaker called on the state House leadership to issue a moratorium on pending sewer sales while holding public hearings on a 2016 law allowing the Public Utility Commission to approve the sale of public sewer systems.

State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a Democrat, issued the request following a decision by the PUC to approve Aqua Pennsylvania’s takeover of the Willistown Sewer Plant.

The PUC's decision has been appealed to the Commonwealth Court.

In the meantime, Shusterman requested that Republican lawmakers, Bryan Cutler, House speaker; and Kerry Benninghoff, House leader, issue a moratorium.

Shusterman said the Willistown plant sale will result in residents paying increased rates, but she also understands the township's support of the sale.

The lawmaker said the 2016 allows the PUC to approve sales of sewer plants even when the PUC administrative administrative law judge recommends against the sale, as in the case of the Willistown plant.

“I believe there is action we can take as a body to make sure these sales are not done against the good of the public,” Shusterman said.

Under the new redistricting plan approved in February, as of Dec. 1, Shusterman's district covers Willistown, Easttown, Tredyffrin and Easttown townships. The current district includes portions of western Montgomery County.