Zoning relief sought in Upper Dublin to allow a water treatment facility in a residential area district – Around Ambler

Report on Proposed Water Treatment Facility at 1116 East Butler Pike

Project Summary and Objectives

An application has been submitted by Ambler Borough to the Upper Dublin Zoning Hearing Board for the development of a water treatment facility. The proposed site is located at 1116 East Butler Pike, a property currently zoned for residential use. The primary objective of this project is to enhance public water infrastructure to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water, directly addressing critical public health and environmental standards.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core purpose of the proposed facility is to advance the objectives of SDG 6. The project aims to achieve universal access to safe drinking water by implementing new treatment systems specifically designed to remove harmful contaminants.

• Target 6.1: The facility will treat water for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and manganese, ensuring the water supply for Ambler Borough and portions of Lower Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh, and Whitpain meets current safety regulations and provides clean water for all residents.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

By removing hazardous chemicals from the public water supply, the project makes a significant contribution to SDG 3. This initiative is a proactive public health measure designed to protect the community from waterborne health risks.

• Target 3.9: The elimination of PFAS and manganese from drinking water will substantially reduce the population’s exposure to chemical contamination, mitigating the risk of associated illnesses and promoting community well-being.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The development of robust and reliable public utilities is a cornerstone of sustainable urban development, as outlined in SDG 11. This project represents a critical investment in essential infrastructure.

• Target 11.1: The expansion of the water treatment capabilities ensures that residents have access to a basic and essential service, which is fundamental for creating safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.

Zoning and Regulatory Details

Current Property Status

• Zoning District: The property is located in an MD- Multi Dwelling residential district.
• Environmental Overlay: The site is included within the Floodplain Conservation District.

Required Zoning Relief

To proceed, the project requires specific approvals from the Zoning Hearing Board due to the site’s residential classification. The requests are as follows:

1. A special exception to permit the operation of a public utility facility in a residential zone.
2. Variances to accommodate setbacks for the new well building and associated infrastructure.

Public Hearing Information

Meeting Details

• Board: Upper Dublin Zoning Hearing Board
• Date: Monday, November 24th
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: 520 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

     This is the most direct and significant SDG related to the article. The core purpose of the proposed project is to build a “water treatment systems for PFAS and manganese” to “provide high-quality drinking water to the community.” This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     By seeking to remove harmful contaminants like PFAS and manganese from the public water supply, the project aims to protect the community from waterborne illnesses and the long-term health effects associated with these chemicals. This contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

     The article discusses the construction of a “new well building and water treatment systems.” This represents an investment in building resilient and sustainable infrastructure. A modern water treatment facility is a critical piece of public utility infrastructure essential for a community’s health and development.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The project aims to ensure a fundamental basic service—safe drinking water—for residents of “Ambler Borough and portions of Lower Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh, and Whitpain.” Providing safe and reliable basic services is a cornerstone of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s focus, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

     The article explicitly states that the new facility’s purpose is to “provide high-quality drinking water to the community and meet current regulations.” This directly supports the goal of ensuring the water supplied to the population is safe for consumption.

   • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

     The project specifically targets the removal of “PFAS and manganese,” which are known hazardous contaminants. By treating the water to remove these substances, the Borough of Ambler is taking direct action to prevent illnesses related to water contamination.

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

     The application to build a “new well building and water treatment systems” is a clear effort to develop quality and reliable public utility infrastructure. This infrastructure is essential for the human well-being of the residents in the five municipalities served by Ambler’s water system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several practical measures that can be used to track progress:

   • Indicator for Target 6.1: Measured levels of contaminants in the public water supply.

     The article mentions the need for treatment systems for “PFAS and manganese.” A direct indicator of success would be the regular testing of water after treatment to ensure that the concentration of these specific contaminants is reduced to levels that “meet current regulations” and are considered safe for consumption.

   • Indicator for Target 3.9: Successful removal of hazardous chemicals from the water supply.

     While the ultimate goal is to reduce illness, a leading indicator implied by the article is the operational effectiveness of the new treatment facility. Measuring the percentage reduction of PFAS and manganese from the raw water to the treated water would serve as a direct measure of progress towards mitigating health risks from water contamination.

   • Indicator for Target 9.1: The construction and operational status of the new water treatment facility.

     The article is about an application to build the facility. A key indicator of progress is the successful approval of the application, followed by the construction, completion, and full operational launch of the new water treatment systems. The number of people or households served by this new, improved infrastructure would also be a relevant metric.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Implied from the article)
   SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.	Measured concentration levels of PFAS and manganese in the treated drinking water, ensuring they meet regulatory safety standards.
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and… water… contamination.	The operational effectiveness of the treatment systems in removing PFAS and manganese from the water supply.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support… human well-being.	The successful construction and operational launch of the new water treatment facility.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable… basic services.	The number of households and people in the five mentioned municipalities (Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, etc.) receiving high-quality, safely treated drinking water.

Source: aroundambler.com