In Search of a Scaled Solution

Established in the late 1700s, Potters Mills is located in south central Potter Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. This community of about 140 residents had no public water or wastewater system. All homes and businesses were served by private wells and on-lot septic systems.

In consultation with Tyson, the township considered four wastewater collection options.

With all system components (tanks, pumps, treatment units, controls, etc.) being furnished and backed by Orenco, the township was confident in the system’s performance. In addition, the simple operational requirements would enable township workers to operate and maintain it without needing extensive or complicated training.

Sippel Development (Zelienople, Pennsylvania) began construction of the system in January 2019, with various challenges to overcome. Due to the age of the community, many property owners didn’t know exactly where their septic tank and/or drainfield were located. Other lots were so small that the property’s new Prelos Processor had to be buried in the same spot as the existing septic...

Potter Township owns, operates, and maintains the collection system, from the Prelos Processor inlets to the discharge outfall. They also own and operate the treatment facility, which is located near the northern end of the service area, next to a community park and about 61 m (200 ft) from the nearest home.