HAMILTON — The township failed to act to repair parts of its aging sewer collection system for years, even after employees familiar with the system sounded alarm bells about deteriorating conditions, records show.

As Hamilton sewer customers face higher rates along with repair costs that could exceed $25 million over the next five years, The Times has learned that as early as 2005, top officials in the Department of Water Pollution Control warned that maintenance on pipelines, pumping stations, and equipment was long overdue.

Even after those warnings, Hamilton’s capital investment in its sewer system never approached the amount requested by WPC officials.

In the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years alone, WPC submitted three proposed capital budgets totaling $16.5 million, but Hamilton spent less than $1 million, according to figures provided by the township following an Open Public Records Act request.

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