Aug. 16, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Bethlehem City Council will vote Tuesday to authorize the city to resolve negotiations with the State of Pennsylvania over discharge violations at the sewage plant on Shimersville Road.
Council will also review a $25 million bond sale.
The Consent Order and Agreement (COA) between the city and the state Department of Environmental Protection “outlines a number of violations of the discharge permit (NPDES permit) at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and provides for corrective actions,” according to a memo from Edward J. Boscola, director of the water and sewer department.
The final draft of the COA comes after two years of negotiations, Boscola’s memo says. The city is looking at a multi-million-dollar upgrade at the plant “that will preclude any future violations.”
Council’s role on Tuesday is minor. It has to authorize Mayor J. William Reynolds and Controller George Yasso to execute the order with the DEP.
The $25 million bond issue, if approved, will be used to pay off older bonds. The 2026 bond issue will be sold via negotiations, not bidding.
No City Council meeting is complete without some kind of festival vote. On Tuesday, Council is due to vote on a permit for the Dominican Festival, held in South Bethlehem with ArtsQuest on Sept. 13.
Here is a link to the meeting agenda.
Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Town Hall.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 