For the fourth time in four years, the Upper Montgomery Joint Authority is proposing a sewer rate increase for users. An eight percent increase this year is part of a long-term plan to fund critical upgrades to the authority's aging biosolids treatment equipment. The repairs are intended to ensure the continued reliability of the wastewater system, according to information provided by Marie Pellegrino, UMJA's administrative assistant.

            The facility, located at 1100 Mensch Dam Road in Upper Hanover, has scheduled a special meeting at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 1, to discuss the electrical bid proposals for the project. The meeting is open to the public.

            This year's rate hike, along with last year's 12 percent increase, was structured in phases to help spread the financial impact of the authority to move forward with the $8.5 million capital improvement project, according to the information from Pellegrino. It states that much of the equipment used to process and manage solids at the treatment plant has reached, or is nearing, the end of its useful life.

            The current basic quarterly EDU service charge is $151.94. An eight percent increase will add an additional $12.16 to that cost.

            Jennifer Leister, the facility's executive director, explained last year that the biosolids building will be upgraded with another centrifuge. She wrote in an email message last year that the existing dryer will be updated, improving the treatment systems to make the final process more efficient.

            The changes – approved May 13, 2025, during a public board meeting – are part of a long-term plan to improve system reliability, enhance environmental performance and prepare for future regulatory changes, according to the facilities director. The upgrades are also directly tied to maintaining safe, consistent operations, according to information posted on the FAQ page on UMJA's website.

            A page on the website defines biosolids as the decomposed solid waste after sewage sludge has been treated chemically and organically at the sewage treatment plant. It states that they are rich in nitrogen – a fertilizing component – and are safe for use in both landscaping and agriculture applications, which include flower gardens, flower beds, vegetable gardens, trees and fruit-bearing plants. Bio-solids can be handled and applied just like any other fertilizer.

            The authority offers its biosolids for free, and they are available at the wastewater treatment plant in any quantity desired as long as supplies last. The website describes the material as highly processed fertilizer and contains more than 50 percent organic matter.

            This fertilizer can be used in a variety of applications and in combination with other fertilizers. The attributes of both natural organic and synthetic fertilizers can be combined to create a superior product, according to the authority's website.