For Brian and Julie Cuturilo, their plan to complete the sale of their North Huntingdon home came two weeks too late.
The North Huntingdon Township Municipal Authority's new requirement for private lateral sewer line inspection before a home sale takes effect Thursday, which may delay the couple's May 15 closing.
And they are not pleased.
The Cuturilos were among around 70 neighbors in the Penn Woods section of the township who attended a question-and-answer session hosted by some authority representatives Tuesday night at the Penns Woods Civic Association meeting hall.
The Cuturilos blasted the authority's February decision to change the regulations and require lateral line inspections before a sale, refinance or property transfer.
"This should have been years in the planning to allow people to save up for this. This is a disgrace on the part of the township. There is no respect for residents, especially those on fixed incomes. It is an absolute outrage," said Julie Cuturilo.
Manager Kate Petrosky said the authority began discussing line replacements six or seven years ago and had released information to the media about the inspections of sewer laterals to determine if there is stormwater infiltration.
North Huntingdon is not under a federal Environmental Protection Agency or state Department of Environmental Protection mandate to correct stormwater infiltration, she said. However, the Western Westmoreland Municipal Authority, which treats the sewer water carried by the authority's lines, is under a mandate.
But many residents in attendance last night said information about any projects should have been mailed to homeowners to ensure everyone is notified.
In the current project phase, homes in St. Clair, Marven, Wayne, Niagara, Five Pines, Colonial Manor, Quaker and Torie drives were inspected since these areas have had recent public sewer line replacements.
Petrosky also said the township has $105,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant money available for qualified homeowners to assist with lateral line replacements that cost an average of $2,800.
Some homeowners said the income guideline for assistance are so low it would only help the most needy residents, and still leave a burden on middle-income families.
Petrosky contended the proactive approach would save residents money in the long run.
"This is not just North Huntingdon. Every authority is going through this. You're going to continue to see this practice continue to grow. We have to address this now or you will see your costs go through the roof to treat the (water infiltration)," she said.
The authority next plans to inspect lines in the Country Hills section of the township.
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