Allegheny County Conservation District to inspect Cheswick site where 2 excavators are buried under water, mud

The Allegheny County Conservation District investigated the Cheswick site Tuesday where two excavators are submerged up to their cabs in mud and water along the Allegheny River.

Spokesperson Lauren Fraley said the Department of Environmental Protection found a contractor for the Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority was working at the site when its equipment became stuck in the floodway of the Allegheny River.

The DEP and conservation district conducted a joint inspection Wednesday to assess the situation, and Fraley said they have talked to the contractor.

Fraley said the department is waiting for information from the contractor on how they intend to remove the equipment in a way that minimizes additional impact to the wetland and prevent sedimentation into the nearby river.

Both will continue to monitor the situation.

The situation was brought to the attention of officials last Saturday when photos posted on social media showed the machinery near the Norfolk Southern train tracks by Watercrest Way. The site is about 100 yards from Rachel Carson Park.

Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority treatment plant Manager Tim Kephart said he was not aware of the situation until someone texted him pictures of the submerged excavators.

“I didn’t know anyone was digging up there,” he said.

Kephart reached out to the plant’s engineer who confirmed the equipment belonged to Greenland Construction. Kephart said he recently hired the company for contract work. During a couple of free days, the company decided to clear trees in the area.

“I am still wondering how they are going to get them out,” Kephart said.

Kephart said the authority plans to put in a new sewage trunk line from Springdale to the treatment plant in Harmar, and a new pump station will be built. He hopes no one tells him they are unable to build after the incident with the excavators.

Calls and messages left to the construction company were not returned.

Cheswick Council President Michael Girardi said the property does not belong to the borough.

“We are not involved in this at all,” he said.