The Transparency in Coverage Rule – July 1, 2022

The following link leads to the machine readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers:

https://capitalbluecross.healthsparq.com/healthsparq/public/#/one/insurerCode=CAPBC_I&brandCode=CAPBC

The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.

Drinking Water Week May 1-7, 2022

Drinking Water Week may only be for one week, but it’s an important time to appreciate all that it takes to ensure high-quality drinking water is always there when you need it.

Indian Run System Disruption – November 5, 2021

Yesterday, November 4, 2021, SCMA completed system improvements within our Indian Run distribution system on the west end of Pottsville near Sheetz.  As a result, we caused a disruption to our system, temporarily creating discolored water.  We want you to know that these system improvements were made to prevent future large scale disruptions and outages that we have experienced in the past.  SCMA field personnel have been working to resolve the issue by removing the discolored water from our system.  We will continue to work diligently until the issue is resolved.  We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for patience.

SCMA awarded $425,000 for Phase II of the Mahanoy Business Park Waterline Extension Project

At its meeting held on September 18, 2018, the Department of Community and Economic Development Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA) a grant in the amount of $425,000 for Phase II of the Mahanoy Business Park Waterline Extension. The application was one of 236 approved projects throughout the Commonwealth for this round of financing. The project will extend a 12″ waterline from the storage tank on the north side of Interstate 81 to the south side of the interstate. The waterline will supply potable drinking water and fire service to a 400 acre site targeted for distribution warehousing that can generate 2,000 potential jobs. The newly served area has the potential for additional commercial and residential development. In 2013, SCMA invested $3.3 million dollars, including a $1.4 million dollar grant to extend water service to residents of New Boston, Vulcan and commercial/industrial customers in the partially developed Mahanoy Business Park as part of Phase I of the project. Since that time, additional development has occurred with the construction of the Comfort Inn Hotel and a proposed commercial development.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing for the next several days prompting concern about frozen pipes.  As the property owner, you are responsible for the protection of your property’s pipes and meters and for any damage to them.  Please note that we do not thaw frozen water lines.  Customers experiencing issues with frozen lines should contact a certified plumber. Here are some tips that will help you protect yourself from costly plumbing repairs:

• Insulate pipes. Be sure to insulate pipes in any unheated areas of your home. One way to insulate your pipes is using heat tape or pipe insulation. These items can be purchased at a local home improvement store.
• Protect your meter. If you have an outdoor meter pit, make sure the lid is not broken or missing. Pack the pit with insulating material, or even an old blanket.
• Eliminate drafts. Close off crawlspace vents and doors. Repair broken or cracked basement windows. Make sure basement doors and windows close tightly. Repair any broken or cracked basement windows
• Leave a very thin stream of water running constantly from at least one tap. We recommend using the tap farthest from the meter. The additional expense in your water bill will be minimal compared to the cost to replace a ruptured pipe.
• Open cabinet doors below all sinks to allow the warmth from inside your house to reach your pipes.

For more information about this public notice, please contact our office at 570-622-8240.  Thank you for your patience.

SCMA receives Grant in the amount of $200,000 for the Altamont Boulevard Waterline Replacement Project

SCMA was awarded a grant in the amount of $200,000 for the Altamont Boulevard Waterline Replacement Project.  The project was identified as a priority because the existing Altamont Boulevard waterline has significantly deteriorated due to aggressive soil and groundwater conditions resulting in at least eight (8) main breaks and service interruptions to the SCI-Frackville facility over the past four (4) years.  SCMA evaluated the overall regional concept and decided to upgrade this line from a 10” to a 12” and ultimately provide another transmission line to the eastern district of the SCMA-Mount Laurel Subsystem, which includes SCI-Mahanoy, residents of New Boston, Village of Vulcan and the Mahanoy Business Park’s existing (Fabcon, Corsicana Bedding, MainStay Suites) and future commercial/industrial customers.  This grant program, created to fund small water and sewer infrastructure projects, is very completive, where only 146 applicants received partial funding for their projects. There were over 600 applications submitted to DCED for funding under the Small Water and Sewer Program.  “The Authority is humbled and graciously accepts the funding assistance for this very important project.  It directly affects the expansion of our water supply service area and provides sustainability to existing and future industrial and commercial customers that are critical to job retention, creation and overall economic development of the area.  This project will eliminate current problems with the existing waterline and roadway and provide a safe, viable water supply and vehicular access in an area that is critical to the growth of the economic development of the region.”, said SCMA Executive Director Patrick M. Caulfield, P.E.  “We would like to thank Senator Argall, Representative Goodman, Schuylkill  County Commissioners and the West Mahanoy Township Supervisors for their support and partnerships on the project”.

SCMA Deer Lake WWTP joins Partnership for Clean Water Program

On September 20, 2016, the SCMA Deer Lake WWTP was accepted into the newly launched, in June 2016, Partnership for Clean Water Program as a charter member.  SCMA is 1 of 21 charter subscribers throughout the United States.

The Partnership for Clean Water Program is a global optimization and recognition program for wastewater utilities, established to parallel the Partnership for Safe Water Program, which has successfully been helping drinking water utilities optimize performance for more than 20 years.  Participation in this program demonstrates our commitment to improve wastewater treatment using a rigorous self-assessment and optimization process.

SCMA Receives a $3.2 million Grant for Reilly Township Waterline & Tank Project

SCMA was awarded a $3.2 million grant and $489,950 PENNVEST loan for the Reilly Township Waterline Project.  The project will extend service from Tremont to the Village of Newtown and include a booster pumping station, storage tank and distribution system.  Construction is tentatively planned for Summer 2016.