In a new initiative, Slate Belt Rising is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Northampton County, Community Action Lehigh Valley, and the East Bangor Municipal Authority to launch a comprehensive safety assessment program for East Bangor residents' interior home water supply lines. This collaborative effort aims to identify and mitigate potential hazards, with a particular focus on lead exposure risks.
Residents within the East Bangor Municipal Authority service area can participate in this program at no cost. The initiative, spearheaded by Northampton County, will conduct thorough safety assessments to identify potential lead hazards, particularly in water lines or fixtures where lead may be present.
Lead exposure, especially in very young children, has been associated with adverse health effects, including impacts on brain development, learning-behavioral problems, and lower IQ. Slate Belt Rising Director Brian Fenstermaker emphasized the importance of this collective action: " Slate Belt Rising is honored to be a part of a collaborative effort aimed at assisting the residents of East Bangor. By working together with Northampton County, Community Action Lehigh Valley, and the East Bangor Municipal Authority, we can effectively address and eliminate issues associated with lead exposure. With this program, we can ensure the health and safety of the community. We are excited to collaborate with the county to expand the program to other municipalities in the Slate Belt and Northampton County in the future.
Older homes, often more susceptible to lead presence in service lines and interior plumbing fixtures, will be a primary focus of the program. In cases where lead is detected, the initiative will facilitate the replacement of items such as goosenecks, water meters, and plumbing fixtures containing lead. Pennsylvania-licensed plumbers will carry out all replacements, and homeowners will not incur any charges for these services.
Residents in the East Bangor Municipal Authority service area will receive a notice of eligibility letter directly at their homes. For more information about the program or assistance with the application process, residents can contact Brian Fenstermaker at Slate Belt Rising by calling 484-523-0900. Walk-in application assistance is also available on Wednesday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bangor Borough Building located at 197 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bangor, PA 18013.
Excitingly, Northampton County has expressed its intention to expand this program to cover additional areas within the county, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the well-being of residents across the region. Slate Belt Rising is honored to be part of this impactful collaboration and looks forward to contributing to the success of this vital initiative.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Brian Fenstermaker
Slate Belt Rising, Director
484-523-0900
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