It could cost Palmerton nearly $40,000 to replace screening at its wastewater treatment plant.

That's after Westech Corp. of Aston, Delaware County, submitted the sole bid of $39,545 to the borough on Monday.Borough Manager Rodger Danielson said he wasn't concerned that just one bid was received by the borough."It's a fairly specific type of equipment," Danielson said.That the bid was about $10,000 less than the $50,000 projected cost was welcome news."We're glad to see that," he said. "The company has a good reputation."Danielson said the screening is essential to ensure the treatment plant can continue to operate at full efficiency.The screening is located at the entrance to the plant, and serves to reduce solids to a more liquid state, he said.It's used to grind materials so they don't get in and clog pumps, Danielson said.He said the current screening, which has been in for about five years, is in and working fine.However, it was not part of the new replacement plan, Danielson said.A bid award could be made when borough council meets at 7 p.m. Thursday.