Within Pennsylvania, often a “Retained Engineer” is appointed on an annual basis. This can be a requirement of a trust indenture for authorities, or can be one of the appointed officials named during the annual reorganization of Boroughs and Townships. Typically, your organization will have a minimum level of service you expect from your Retained Engineer. As your Retained Engineer, cb3 Solutions will provide consulting advice, attend meetings and provide a report.

Examples:

• McAlisterville Area Joint Authority

• Port Royal Borough

• Port Royal Municipal Authority

• Thompsontown Borough

• Thompsontown Municipal Authority

• East Salem Sewer Authority

There are a number of grant and loan programs available to communities within PA. It is your community which attracts grant dollars to any project. cb3 Solutions can assist you in identifying specific grant programs and we have insight which could increase your likelihood of success. We have been involved with many grant programs over the years, including some of the following:

1. DCED/CDBG -> McAlisterville Area Joint Authority

2. PennVEST -> Altoona Water Authority

3. PennDOT Multi Model -> Port Royal Borough, Thompsontown Borough

4. Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 -> Port Royal Borough, Thompsontown Borough

5. DEP Small Project Grants -> McAlesterville Area Joint Authority

6. DEP Growing Greener Grants

7. PA Act 13 - Marcellus Legacy Funds -> Port Royal Borough

cb3 Solutions has a solid capability in design and construction. Where appropriate we have designed, bid and overseen construction of projects.

Example: McAlisterville Area Joint Authority, Port Royal Municipal Authority, Swatara Mobile Home Park, Thompsontown Municipal Authority

We partner with other firms for various components including survey, electrical engineering, structural engineering, and control engineering.

Occasionally, we have assisted our clients to find an Engineer or Engineering Team when a project exceeds our capabilities.

Example: Altoona Water Authority

An Engineering Study is a device that helps document or solve a particular problem. It does not necessarily result in Design or Construction. There are a variety of examples:

Act 57 Study – This is a study which documents the maximum fees that can be charged to connect a new structure to the existing water or wastewater system

Examples: East Salem Sewer Authority, McAlisterville Area Joint Authority

Alternative Study – This is typically used to select between multiple options/solutions which could solve a specific problem. Sometimes a Study is based upon capital cost, other times it can be based upon the combination of capital and operational costs.

Example: Bradford Sanitary Authority

Chapter 94: Wasteload Management Report – On an annual basis, any entity which has an NPDES discharge permit must prepare a Chapter 94 Report. This is a common study which simply provides information to the PA DEP.

Example: Thompsontown Municipal Authority

Second Opinion Project Review (for PennVEST) – This is a report required by PennVEST for larger projects to help determine if the project and its selected alternatives are appropriate.

Example: Altoona Water Authority

Act 537 Plan/Planning Module – This report is typically filed with the PA DEP in order to establish the method of providing sewer service to a property or area.

Example: Swatara Mobile Home Park

While many municipalities do not have formal plans, establishing a master plan can be a great way to begin a project. A well-constructed Master Plan can be used to gain grant funding, and can also allow the governmental entity to budget for the project in future years.

Examples: McAlisterville Area Joint Authority, Port Royal Borough, Thompsontown Borough

Occasionally, a DEP inspection will result in a Notice of Violation, or perhaps even require a Consent Order. While it is always best to avoid regulatory notice, when something like this occurs, each client needs to consider how to respond to avoid more severe regulation. Brian Book has a long track record of assisting Authorities in gaining compliance with the DEP. Currently, cb3 Solutions is working on a Consent Order & Agreement for Port Royal Municipal Authority. Previous DEP Compliance Support from cb3 Solutions includes the following documents:

1. Consumer Confidence Reports

2. Chapter 94

3. NPDES Renewals

4. Consent Order Compliance

5. Response to Notice of Violations

6. Uninterruptible System Service Plan

7. Comprehensive Monitoring Plan

8. Emergency Response Plan

Occasionally, we have been asked to provide support and training to operators. As a holder of an unlimited Wastewater License, Brian is able to work with clients.

Occasionally, we have been asked to provide support to clients in legal matters. We are selective in providing this service, but have provided support to Bradford Sanitary Authority.