COCHRANTON

Owner sues borough to use springs for new bottling plant

A northwestern Pennsylvania man says he is going ahead with plans to build a water bottling plant and has filed suit against the borough to use springs that he contends are owned by his family.

Robert Poduszlo of Cochranton said his company will bottle water from seven springs located on the two properties.

Borough officials disagree, citing an 1894 agreement that, according to solicitor Bruce Barrett, means Cochranton retains rights to the springs until "the pipes are pulled" from the ground.

Poduszlo says times have changed in the last 106 years and that "pipes are pulled" is an antiquated term that should not be taken literally.

Barrett has advised council members not to comment on the lawsuit.

Poduszlo filed suit on July 17, seeking an order to stop Cochranton from claiming any rights to the water. He is also looking for $600,000 in lost profits and attorney’s fees among other things.

The borough has until Aug. 17 to file a response to the complaint.