Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Residuals from Our Septic to Sewer Meeting

There were over 140 people in attendance. Petitioner addressed  the group about the challenges they are facing with  failing system and why they are petitioning.   Petitioner was informed that the county is offering to install sewers for costs that will not exceed $12,000 with minimal costs for hook up.  Loans for this can be paid over 20 years.  Cost of repairing the current system might not be good investment if health department will be enforcing new sewers in the future.

MSD stated  that residents would be responsible for costs not exceeding  $12k -- county finds money for low interest  20 years loans per resident  to put in a new sewer.  The process could take longer than 38 months and blue prints are drawn up after the resident's vote.   The home owner is  required to pay for the hook up from the house.  Cost here will  vary depending on location of home.

Concerns that were shared:

  • Old septics  recently replaced with a county approved septics
  • New homebuyers
  • Homes currently passing inspection
  • Gravity sewers are cost prohibitive for some residents.
  • Interest on loan from county
  • Homes that  had failed and are currently in compliance 
  • Service contracts
  • Violation of environmental laws impacting Caldwell
  • Watershed - location of new sewer lines
  • Economy
  • Trees and natural areas in View Place
  • Neighbors abandoning homes
  • Unknown costs to neighbors and unknown design
  • Intepretation of legislation and environmental laws
  • Risks vs. Benefits of sewers in some areas
  • Back up of raw-untreated sewage into basement from "cut and paste" sewers in hilly area
  • Easement issues
  • Petitions collected in one area of View Place determining outcome for other area
  • Fairness of petition going to homes where hook ups will be easier.
  • Trust
  • Lost investment in landscaping, driveways
  • Law of diminishing returns

Toward the end of the meeting Health department representative stated a directive is more likely to be enforced to convert to sewers  in the future but did  not address how it would be enforced.

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