Lewisburg, Pa. Sonestown, a rural community in Sullivan County with approximately 200 residents, has secured $777,500 in funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to address significant issues within its wastewater treatment and collection system.
The project, supported by SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, will focus on improving aging infrastructure that has raised serious concerns related to public health, water quality, and environmental protection.
Sonestown’s sewer system has experienced ongoing deterioration, including cracked and sagging pipes, limited maintenance access, and repeated flooding near Muncy Creek. These conditions have led to sewage backups, system overflows, and concerns about groundwater contamination. Many residents rely on private wells, and some have turned to bottled water due to concerns about water safety.
“This project allows Sonestown to address critical infrastructure needs that directly impact residents’ health and quality of life,” said County Commissioner Chair Scott Myers. “It ensures the system can operate more reliably now and into the future.”
The project will upgrade both the wastewater treatment plant and collection system to improve reliability and reduce ongoing issues. Planned work includes increasing flood protection at the treatment plant, upgrading key components, inspecting approximately 6,500 feet of sewer lines, installing additional access points for maintenance, and completing targeted pipe repairs using minimally invasive methods. These improvements will help reduce system failures, improve flow, and prevent future overflows and backups.
The investment will protect groundwater supplies and reduce the risk of contamination to Muncy Creek while improving overall system performance and compliance. This funding is critical to completing necessary improvements without placing additional financial strain on the community. The overall goal is to provide long-term stability and more reliable service for residents moving forward.