Myerstown Wastewater Treatment Facility receives PRWA recognition – LebTown

Myerstown Wastewater Treatment Facility Receives 2025 PRWA Wastewater System of the Year Award

The Pennsylvania Rural Water Association (PRWA) has honored the Myerstown Wastewater Treatment Facility with its prestigious Wastewater System of the Year award for 2025. The award was presented by Ryan Orgitano of PRWA during a surprise visit to the facility on November 25, 2025.

Facility Overview and Regional Impact

Owned and operated by the Borough of Myerstown, the wastewater treatment facility is capable of processing up to 2.92 million gallons per day (MGD) and managing 8,062 pounds of biochemical oxygen demand daily. The facility serves not only Myerstown but also Richland Borough and parts of Jackson and Millcreek townships, utilizing approximately 15 miles of gravity sewers.

Advanced Treatment Processes and Environmental Protection

The facility employs a comprehensive treatment process that includes:

• Fine screening and grit removal at the headworks
• Pumping to an ORBAL multichannel oxidation ditch for advanced biological nutrient removal
• Clarification and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection before discharge to the Tulpehocken Creek
• Post-aeration to ensure water quality compliance

Additionally, solids handling is managed through thickening, aerobic digestion, mechanical dewatering with a centrifuge, and disposal via landfill or application to on-site reed beds.

Recognition of Excellence and Operational Standards

Borough Manager Michael McKenna emphasized the dedication and expertise of the wastewater team, stating that their work protects public health, supports local industry, and safeguards the Tulpehocken Creek. PRWA representative Ryan Orgitano highlighted the facility’s exceptional cleanliness, organization, and professionalism, describing it as one of the cleanest and most well-organized wastewater treatment plants in the state.

Staff and Community Engagement

The facility operates with a small but highly skilled team of four full-time employees directly hired by the borough, ensuring consistent quality and community accountability. This staffing model contrasts with many smaller plants that contract out operations, which can lead to declining quality over time.

Facility History and Future Planning

1. Constructed in 1963 with expansions from 0.5 MGD to 2.92 MGD
2. Major renovations completed in 1978 and 2009
3. Recent approval of a wastewater treatment facility feasibility study to assess maintenance and future needs

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The Myerstown facility exemplifies SDG 6 by providing effective wastewater treatment that ensures safe water discharge into the environment, protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health.
• Advanced biological nutrient removal and UV disinfection technologies contribute to sustainable water management.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• By safeguarding water quality and preventing pollution, the facility supports community health and reduces risks of waterborne diseases.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The facility’s use of modern treatment processes and well-maintained infrastructure demonstrates innovation in regional wastewater management.
• Continuous staff training and operational excellence promote resilient infrastructure.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Serving multiple municipalities, the facility supports sustainable urban development by managing wastewater responsibly and protecting local waterways.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Efficient solids handling and sludge management reduce environmental impact and promote resource recovery through reed bed application.

Conclusion

The Myerstown Wastewater Treatment Facility stands as a model of sustainable wastewater management, operational excellence, and community stewardship. Its recognition by the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association underscores the importance of investing in local infrastructure that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean water, health, and sustainable communities.

For further information or inquiries, the Myerstown Borough encourages community engagement and transparency in its wastewater operations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the Myerstown Wastewater Treatment Facility, highlighting its capacity, operations, and recognition for excellence in wastewater treatment, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The facility’s role in protecting public health by treating wastewater and safeguarding local water bodies supports this goal.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The wastewater treatment facility serves multiple boroughs and townships, contributing to sustainable urban infrastructure and community well-being.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article describes solids handling and sludge management practices, including mechanical dewatering and disposal or reuse, which relate to sustainable waste management.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection of the Tulpehocken Creek and use of reed beds for sludge stabilization contribute to ecosystem protection and restoration.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 – Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • The facility’s advanced biological nutrient removal, ultraviolent disinfection, and solids handling align with this target.
2. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • By treating wastewater effectively and protecting the Tulpehocken Creek, the facility supports this target.
3. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • The facility’s operations contribute to reducing environmental impact in the served communities.
4. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Sludge management and disposal practices at the facility address this target.
5. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Protection of the Tulpehocken Creek and use of reed beds support this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated.
   • The article mentions the facility’s capacity (2.92 million gallons per day), biochemical oxygen demand limits, and treatment processes, implying measurement of wastewater treatment effectiveness.
2. Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
   • Protection of the Tulpehocken Creek through treated effluent discharge and UV disinfection implies monitoring of water quality in the receiving water body.
3. Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
   • Sludge handling and disposal methods (centrifuge dewatering, landfill disposal, reed beds) imply tracking of waste management effectiveness.
4. Operational Indicators:
   • Flow rates (average 1.3 MGD vs. max 2.92 MGD), biochemical oxygen demand (8,062 pounds per day), and facility maintenance and staffing levels are operational metrics that indicate performance and sustainability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: lebtown.com