Marlborough Township may soon face major improvements to its sewage management as officials are encouraged to collaborate with Green Lane Borough on an updated Act 537 plan. Joseph Boldaz of Hydraterra Professionals LLC, engineer for the Green Lane-Marlborough Joint Authority (GLMJA), recently highlighted the urgency of updating the township’s sewage plan at a meeting with local supervisors.

Act 537, a Pennsylvania state law, requires municipalities to maintain effective sewage facilities to protect public health and the environment. Currently, Marlborough and Green Lane operate under a generic 1972 Montgomery County plan, putting the area out of compliance. Boldaz explained that the GLMJA sewer plant, already under correction action by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is nearing the end of its functional lifespan and needs significant upgrades.

Without an updated 537 plan, the township could face challenges in securing grants and supporting new residential and commercial development. The plan would also implement a septic management program for private on-lot systems, requiring pumping every three years and educating homeowners about proper maintenance. This is especially important in Marlborough, where roughly 90% of homes rely on private septic systems, posing potential health and environmental risks if neglected.

By updating the Act 537 plan, Marlborough Township can safeguard local water quality, protect residents’ health, and promote responsible growth for the community.

Source: Town & Country; 9/17/2025