WINFIELD TWP — The township supervisors are considering getting into the sewage business.

Supervisor Mike Robb said Tuesday it would be more cost effective for the township to create its own sanitary system than to join an existing one.

Robb said preliminary cost estimates for bringing service to the 130 residences in the Marwood and Cabot areas would be available later this month.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing Winfield's proposal to build its own sewage system. Robb said the township might receive feedback from DEP before March.

If the state agency approves, township officials would proceed by seeking public input from residents about how to implement a plan.

Following the required public hearings, a plan would be designed.

Robb stressed the need for the township to follow the proper procedure and ensure any project is done right.

"We just want to be very cautious," he said.

To provide sewage service, sanitary lines and a treatment plant would have to be built.

Robb said the township would have to identify potential sites for a sewage treatment plant and then negotiate with property owners to buy land.

A plant would likely be built near the Rails to Trails path and Winfield Road, he said.

The supervisors on Tuesday met with officials from Concordia Lutheran Ministries to discuss Winfield's sewage plans. Robb said Concordia needs to be kept apprised because of the potential impacts to its property and development.

Construction continues at Concordia's $11.5 million expansion of the Lund Care Center.

Township officials previously discussed joining the Saxonburg Area Authority and the Buffalo Township Municipal Authority before determining rates would be too high for Winfield residents.

However, township officials realize building a sewage system from scratch won't be easy.

"That has pros and cons, too," Robb said.

The DEP mandated the development of a sewage disposal system in Winfield because numerous septic systems in Marwood and Cabot need repaired or replaced to prevent waste from entering Buffalo Creek.