West Penn to meet with hydrogeologist over water extraction ordinance

West Penn Township plans to meet with the hydrogeologist it hired to review its water extraction ordinance.

On a 2-1 vote, supervisors Monday morning agreed to hold a public meeting with the hydrogeologist from Boucher & James Inc. at a date to be determined.

Supervisor Ted Bogosh, who voted against the measure, said he did so due to not knowing the cost of the fee to meet with the hydrogeologist.

Before the vote, board Chairman Tony Prudenti suggested that supervisors meet with the hydrogeologist at a public meeting to go over any concerns.

Earlier this month, supervisors on a 2-1 vote hired a hydrogeologist from Boucher & James Inc. at a cost of $2,984 to review the ordinance.

That decision came after the recommendations from the township’s planning commission to hire a hydrogeologist, and to send Boucher & James the draft water extraction ordinance, the memo from the water extraction attorney, and the water extraction ordinance from Hancock, Maine. Township engineer Bill Anders will be in contact with Boucher & James through the process.

Bogosh said at that meeting he didn’t think it was wise to pay a hydrogeologist to do what he referred to as an “internet search that my secretary can do.”

Last month, supervisors agreed to send a water extraction memorandum to the township’s planning commission for review.

Bogosh — who was also opposed to that measure — said at that time the proposed water ordinance asked to keep trucking of water off township roads, which may cause loss of liquid fuel funds and legal action.

In April, supervisors hired Curtin & Heefner LLP Attorneys at Law to review the draft water extraction ordinance and assist the township in determining the best options for resolution of water extraction issues. Bogosh was opposed to the measure.

The township will pay the law firm $225 per hour, not to exceed $5,000 without approval.

Additionally, the township is responsible for all expenses incurred by the law firm in connection with its representation.