After years of delays, controversy and court action, Leechburg's stormwater/sewage separation project is 99 percent complete.

Council received a report from Ben Bothell of Senate Engineering on Tuesday night outlining the final stages of work done by R.A. Monzo Construction of Latrobe.

Leechburg and numerous other municipalities in the Alle-Kiski Valley have been under a federal directive to separate aging pipes that commingled sewage and stormwater.

In the case of Kiski Valley Water Pollution Control Authority member Leechburg, the single-pipe system became overwhelmed during heavy storms, pouring untreated sewage into the Kiski River.

Bothell said there are indications of a reduction in stormwater flow.

He said most everyone in the borough has complied with requirements to connect their downspouts into the stormwater system, thus making sure that water doesn't make its way into the sanitary system.

All the pipes are in the ground, and paving and restoration are taking place. Officials said paving on Morgan Avenue will begin Monday.

Council and Monzo will begin negotiating cost-sharing for inspections of the system that are required by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Council also approved a certificate of substantial completion for Monzo that means, among other things, that warranties for Monzo's work will kick in.

Holbein Inc. was scheduled to begin work Wednesday on painting crosswalk lines in the downtown section.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

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