Plant History and the Authority Today

A Brief History of the Authority

Established in 1949, The Municipal Authority of the City of McKeesport currently provides waste collection and treatment services for the City of McKeesport, White Oak Borough, Port Vue Borough, Liberty Borough, East McKeesport Borough, Elizabeth Township, Glassport Borough, Versailles Borough, and North Versailles Township, serving approximately 62,000 people.

Construction on the original sewage plant began in 1959, where the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers meet, with completion in 1960. This plant offered primary treatment only, as was the practice at the time.

With advances in sewage treatment technology, the plant went through a large expansion. This project was completed in 1976, which added the secondary aeration system now in place. Secondary aeration provides additional purification in the tratment process.

The Authority Today

The layout of the plant today is comprised of six main areas: the pump station, the grit building, the containment and incineration building (C&I), the blower building, the administration building, and two three-car garages.

Sewage arrives at the plant form four different pump stations: Long Run pump station, 28th Street pump station, Cliff Street Pump Station, and the Perry Street pump station.

Designed to process 11.5 million gallons per day, the Authority is the second largest sewage treatment plant in Allegheny County.

The treatment plant is operated on a twenty-four hour per day basis by a staff of 24 employees, including office personnel.

The Authority is proud of its reputation for reliable service, clean, and efficient operations, and sound environmental policy.

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