Cumberland County · Silver Spring Township · #3113
SILVER SPRING WATER TREATMENT PLANT PFAS TREATMENT ADDITION
Silver Spring Township, PA · 8,024 sq ft non-residential, government & utilities
About this project
Upgrades to the Silver Spring Township water treatment plant to add PFAS treatment. The project includes a new filter building of about 8,024 sq ft, relocated on-site piping, new paved parking and a drive aisle, and stormwater facilities.
Official description: The purpose of the plan is to make upgrades to the existing water treatment facility to include PFAS treatment. This involves the construction of a new filter building, relocation of on site piping, new paved parking and drive isle and associated stormwater management facilities. Please note that in the Firm section we were not able to coordinate the incorporation of our company name GHD, so a placeholder firm name was selected and must be corrected.
The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026
Pennsylvania American Water is adding PFAS treatment at the Silver Spring water treatment plant in Silver Spring Township. PFAS are long-lasting chemicals that upcoming federal drinking-water rules limit. County records describe a new filter building of about 8,024 square feet. The work also includes rerouted piping on the site, a new parking area and drive aisle, and stormwater facilities.
A state press release says the plan includes twelve large carbon filters arranged in pairs. It also includes new pumps and upgraded monitoring and control systems. The plant serves over 85,000 people. The release puts the total investment at about $30 million, and the state funding agency PENNVEST approved a grant and a low-interest loan. This is an addition to an existing utility site, not a new neighborhood development. No opposition was found in the sources reviewed.
What it could mean nearby
- Construction traffic and activity are likely on the plant site while the building and piping are installed, though no traffic study was found.
- The project is meant to improve drinking water for the roughly 85,000 people the plant serves.
- New paving and a building add hard surface, which is why stormwater facilities are included.
- No new homes, school impacts or large job numbers were found in the records.
Where it stands
The county filing dates to November 2025, and a March 2026 Planning Commission report said the township supervisors had granted time extensions for the PFAS treatment plant plans. A final approval was not confirmed. Next steps are usually final plan approval, permits and then construction.
- Jul 15, 2026 State representative announced PENNVEST funding for the PFAS facility.
- Mar 5, 2026 Planning Commission heard that the supervisors had granted time extensions for the plans.
- Nov 20, 2025 Latest county planning filing.
Want to weigh in? The Silver Spring Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors review the plans at public meetings, so residents can comment there or check the township's agendas.
Who's behind it
Pennsylvania American Water Company · A regulated water utility that runs water systems across Pennsylvania and received the state funding for this project.
Around the web
- $2.44 Million Awarded to Construct New PFAS Treatment Facility in Silver Spring TownshipPennsylvania House member's website · Jul 15, 2026Describes the funding, twelve carbon filters, the $30 million cost and the 85,000 people served.
- Planning Commission hears Board of Supervisors' time extensions, Data Center hearing continuedCitizen Portal · Mar 5, 2026Reports that the supervisors granted time extensions for the Silver Spring PFAS Treatment Plant plans.
- Pennsylvania American Water awarded PENNVEST funding for water infrastructure projectsWater Online · Jul 17, 2026Reports a grant and low-interest loan for PFAS treatment at the Silver Spring plant.
Planning terms explained
- PFAS
- A group of long-lasting synthetic chemicals that can build up in water and the body and are now regulated in drinking water.
- Granular activated carbon
- A filter material that traps chemicals like PFAS as water passes through it.
- Time extension
- Extra time the township grants for a plan review to be completed.
- Stormwater facilities
- Basins, pipes or similar features that manage rain runoff from new paved or built areas.
- PENNVEST
- A Pennsylvania agency that provides low-interest loans and grants for water infrastructure.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $2.8M
- ~40 roofing squares (assumes 2 stories)
- ~20 tons of cooling (rule of thumb 400 sq ft/ton)