53 Pa. Stat. § 14196
Whenever the owner or owners, or lessee or lessees, of any wharf, pier or bulkhead, within the limits of said cities, shall fail to keep and maintain the adjoining dock or docks cleaned and free from obstructions, it shall be lawful for the said director, upon default for thirty days after the service of notice on such owner or owners, lessee or lessees, to clean or cause said dock or docks to be cleaned and free from obstruction, and to apportion the expense thereof among the owner or owners, lessee or lessees, of the wharves, piers, and bulkheads adjoining such dock or docks, in proportion to the extent of their wharves, piers, or bulkheads having the privilege of use of such dock or docks; and to collect the cost and expense of the same by filing liens therefor, and issuing process thereupon, as is provided by law in the case of liens filed for the removal of nuisances; and all liens filed to collect the expenses of said work shall be filed by the city solicitor, and the lien for said work shall have the same force and effect as liens for municipal work, under existing laws.
53 P.S. § 14196