It could cost Lehighton nearly $200,000 to demolish its former wastewater treatment plant.

Five companies turned in bids to the borough on Friday, with Lycoming Supply, Williamsport, Lycoming County, submitting the apparent low bid of $197,089.

That bid was $59,114 less than the next lowest bid of $256,203 turned in by RGC Development LP.

Other companies that bid were Dore & Associates Contracting ($308,000); James T. O’Hara Inc. ($323,000); and C.E. Ankiewicz Construction & Excavation ($526,989).

Borough manager Nicole Beckett said Carbon Engineering will review the bids and make a recommendation to borough council.

Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 4, at which time a bid award could take place.

In September 2017, the then council on a 4-3 vote agreed to advertise for bids for the demolition of the old sewer plant off Lehigh Drive.

Beckett said the borough previously received a letter from the Lehighton Sewer Authority, recommending the demolition of the building.

She said at that time the borough had problems with trespassing, vandalism and thefts.

Beckett noted at that time the sewer plant was no longer active, and as it stands, is a liability to the borough.

She said that in 2012, the sewer authority had recommended the demolition of the building.

In 2017, Beckett said both the sewer authority and the borough’s Public Works Department had recommended demolition.

Previously, the building had been used for storage for the borough’s police department and Public Works Department, she said.

The fire department was also permitted to use the exterior of the buildings and grounds for training purposes.