Sewerage Authority

Members

Janice Fields
Regular
1/31/2025

Joan M. Bannan
Regular
1/31/2022

Joseph Esposito
Vice-Chairperson
1/31/2024

Kevin Orr
Chairperson
1/31/2023

John Crane
Regular
01/31/2026

Staff

Thomas Timko, Director
(908) 204-3020
ttimko@bernards.org

Bob Raymond, Plant Superintendent
(908) 647-2735
braymond@bernards.org

Susan Long, Administrative Coordinator
(908) 204-3020
slong@bernards.org

Assistant Superintendent - Samuel Eichler
Laboratory Supervisor - Bernie Frankle
Plant Foreman – Johnny Rodriguez

Address

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

277 S. Maple Ave.
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

HARRISON BROOK TREATMENT PLANT

726 Martinsville Rd.

Liberty Corner, NJ 07938

In Case of Emergency

In case of an emergency after 3 PM during the week or anytime during a Weekend or Holiday, please contact the Bernards Township Police at 908-766-1122.

Sewerage Authority

A Message from the Bernards Township Sewerage Authority
The Authority members would like to advise our customers of the upgrades and new construction being accomplished. The following projects have been completed or are under construction within budgets based on a conservative, pay-as-you-go, and no borrowing policy:

11 pump stations have been completed rehabilitated and all stations have generators. The last major program of pump station improvements date back to 1983 during the system
expansion.
Replacement of major equipment all installed in 1983 during the expansion of the treatment plant
includes the climber screen, the main pumps, the grit system, the oxidation ditch aerators and
rehabilitation of both 1.75 million gallons oxidation ditch tanks, lagoon valve chamber and 30”
diameter valves, 2 meter belt press, aluminum sulfate storage and feed system building with two
6,000 gallon tanks.
Construction of a new SCADA system in 2009
Renovation of the Administration building in 2009
Construction of a 1.1 megawatt solar field in 2011
Replacement of building roofs in 2015
North Maple Avenue sewer replacement project in 2016
Various Sewer Repairs project in 2016 & 2018
Addition of a caustic solution tank and feed system in 2018
Rehabilitation of the RAS & WAS pump room in 2018
Pigging of the Madisonville Road Force Main in 2018
East Oak Force Main Rehabilitation in 2020
Infiltration & Inflow Investigation Program in 2020

Inflow and Infiltration

Inflow and Infiltration problems are still prevalent. Our plant is rated at 2.5 million gallons per day; however during a heavy rain event we may exceed 5 million gallons per day. The Authority is continually video taping our sewer pipes to find the sources of inflow and infiltration. A common source is homeowner sump pumps illegally tied into the sanitary sewer system. A single illegally connected sump pump discharges approximately 24,000 gallons per day of clean water to the sewer system. This added clean water into our piping network results in decreased operating efficiency of our treatment plant and added electrical and chemical costs. Illegal connections are being aggressively addressed by the authority with potential penalties and fines assessed to property owners. We would be happy to work with you to eliminate this source of infiltration.

If you are interested on more information regarding the Bernards Township Sewerage Authority, please feel free to contact any one of us. We are here to serve you.

Harrison Brook Treatment Plant

Treatment Plant Information

The mission of the Sewerage Authority is to insure the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and environment of Bernards Township, while maintaining a fair rate base and ecologically sound treatment facility.
The Sewerage Authority maintains, cleans, and inspects the valuable hidden infrastructure of the collection system. The division monitors, regulates, and treats the conveyances of the collection system. This involves extensive testing, cleaning, inspecting, maintaining equipment, and supplying an extensive professional and expert support service for the residents and businesses throughout Bernards Township.
Treatments done at the plant include:
- Preliminary - grit & screenings removed
- Secondary treatment with nitrification oxidation ditch
- Clarification
- Polishing lagoons
- Disinfection with sodium hypochlorite
- Dechlorination with sulfur dioxide
- Aerobic sludge digestion
- Dewatering by drying beds and felt filter press

Established on May 22, 1956 by Township Ordinance #54, the Bernards Township Sewerage Authority is on Martinsville Road, in Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township. There is a 2.5 MGD main plant with 10 pump stations in the sewer system area. There are approximately 95 miles of sewer lines.

Normal working hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays. Visitors and groups are welcome during normal operating hours with at least a 48 hour notice with the Plant Superintendent.

The Harrison Brook Sewage Treatment Plant is designed to treat 2.5 million gallons of sewage per day. The Plant consistently removes more than 95% of the pollutants it receives before discharge to the Dead River.