JACKSON TWP. - Residents of the Bulford Farms development in Jackson Township may soon get what they've been asking for since 2009: a public sewer connection to replace their septic systems.

An engineering study by the Quad 3 Group is complete, township supervisors and the Dallas Area Municipal Authority gave their stamp of approval, and the project was bid out.

But a new sewer system serving only 19 properties in the upscale development isn't cheap - it comes with a price tag of $527,135, from low bidder Doli Construction Corp. The project's high bidder came in at $718,200. Property owners will have to pay at least $22,765 for their share of the installation costs and at least another $3,000 for a lateral line to their homes. Some need to add $4,000 more to install a grinder pump.

At the request of residents, Jackson Township officials and the Dallas Area Municipal Authority have agreed to extend a public sewer system from neighboring Sutton Hills into the Bulford Farms development.

Most of the 19 residents are in favor of the project, due to one failing septic system and the belief that connecting to the sewer will increase property values.

Tom Nardone, who owns two two-acre properties in Bulford Farms, agrees the price tag is steep - and he has to pay it twice.

"I kind of won the lottery on that," he joked.

But he's willing to pay it. Noting that he's not a real estate agent, he said, "Putting in a sewer system I think adds value, as opposed to putting in a septic."

On the other hand, two residents, John Magagna and Mary Dockeray, each of whom has a property on Oldfield Road, aren't on board.

Dockeray said she doesn't oppose the project: "Who wouldn't want sewers?" she said.

Read the original:
Jackson Twp. sewer project questioned

Someone forgot to tell Erie County officials that Harley and Melinda Frazier arent a nuisance after all.

The countys health department and the prosecutors office filed a lawsuit against the Fraziers March 9, demanding the couple abandon the septic tank at their South Campbell Street home in favor of a sewer line connection.

While the lawsuit repeatedly refers to the Fraziers as a nuisance, it would appear the lawsuit is the hen-pecker in this case. Records from Erie Countys environmental services department show the Fraziers hooked up to a sewer system months ago.

The hookup passed inspection Sept. 20.

Thursday afternoon, Melinda walked out onto the front porch of her home and pointed to a mound of dirt running through the front yard. It was one of the telltale signs a sewer line had been installed.

Obviously, they made a mistake, she said, referring to the countys suit.

Melinda, who stays at home caring for her handicapped son, said her husband made some calls as soon as they discovered they were being sued.

Erie County assistant prosecutor Jason Hinners, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the health department, said Thursday the lawsuit will be dismissed.

It must be a mistake, health commissioner Peter Schade said. We were probably never notified that they put the line in. We dont go out every month to check. Its probably poor communication.

The Fraziers live in the 5100 block of S. Campbell St. Pointing down the street toward homes south of Bogart Road, Melinda said everyone on the street is being asked to tie into the sewer line, although some of her neighbors are still fighting it.

Read more:
Erie County Health Dept. mistakenly sues Sandusky couple

The Pocasset Mobile Home Park receivers report to a Suffolk Superior Court judge about options to construct a waste-treatment plant for the complex at Barlows Landing Road were made public this week.

Hyannis attorney Charles Sabbatt advised the court and Bourne Health Department that it is economically unfeasible to fund new waste-plant construction totaling $3,631,533; with that estimate including a $674,036 sewer system, $67,487 to lower park water mains, $8363,650 for a new water system and $434,300 for roadway construction.

The known cash assets on hand are insufficient to fund the project, Sabbatt noted. The only way to finance the project would be to borrow from a conventional lender or to obtain some form of governmental grant funding, assuming that there are such programs available.

Sabbatt advised the court he remains unsuccessful in obtaining financial records from park owner Charles Austin or Austins financial adviser Thomas May.

Sabbatt told the Courier Wednesday night that an injunction has been filed against Austin, essentially to preclude the park owner transferring or selling his assets.

The issue here is the need for money and where to get it, he said. We have to move within a complex legal process. We have to move within a practical process. Mr. Austin has rights. Ive laid out a process to get the money we need.

Sabbatt said the judge involved is bright and committed to bringing a resolution to the broader issue of whether park residents ultimately will be able to reside there or whether the park must close.

The judge realizes this is a place where people live, Sabbatt said. The court recognizes that. We cant just say close the park and forget about it. If money becomes available, well try to resolve park issues and find a waste-treatment system.

Sabbatts feasibility report to the court is basically in three parts: an estimated cost to construct a treatment plant and income projections to fund that option, a possibility of tenants purchasing the park but the need to borrow money for that option, and a significant sale of Austins assets that might ultimately resolve park issues; if the judge agrees to that approach.

See original here:
Pocasset Mobile Home Park waste plant is ‘economically unfeasible’

Nothing says summer like a dip in the pool, so you've decided to have an in-ground model installed. Here's what to consider before taking the plunge.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE AND KATHIE SMITH

Maltese Pools excavates and installs an in-ground, concrete swimming pool at the home of Mike and Kathie Smith, Maywood

Know Your Options

There are three types of in-ground pools: Vinyl, concrete and fiberglass. The first two are most popular in North Jersey.

Vinyl pools are pre-formed, flexible sheaths that fit into the hole and are attached to reinforced walls of aluminum, steel or a polymer compound. The liners come in a variety of colors and patterns. Over the years, vinyl has remained the most popular choice in our area, according to Bob Maltese, owner of Maltese Pools, Wood-Ridge (maltesepools.com).

A vinyl liner can be pierced by pool tools, pet claws and other sharp objects, so check with your contractor about thicknesses.

Concrete pools can be any shape or size, because the concrete is sprayed or applied from a gun onto steel-reinforced walls. Once it cures, it can be smoothed and painted, finished with a textured surface or tiled.

A fiberglass pool is a factory-molded "bowl" placed by crane into an excavated area. The smooth finish is durable and non-porous. This discourages algae so fewer chemicals are needed for maintenance. However, there are fewer size and shape options, and delivery of an oversized, molded piece may present a problem with interstate transportation regulations.

Set a Budget

Link:
Take the plunge with an in-ground pool

The following is a round-up of construction projects currently taking place throughout the City of Kirkland:

108th and 68th intersection improvements

The 108th and 68th intersection improvements project will install a westbound to northbound right turn lane and other improvements identified as a part of Sound Transits route timing improvements. These improvements will reduce congestion and allow the intersection to maintain the Citys desired level of service. Sidewalk and curb enhancements at all four corners of the intersection will improve pedestrian safety and maintain a safe school walk route.

Project Facts

Location: 108th Avenue NE and NE 68th Street

Funding Partners: City of Kirkland Capital Improvement Program, Sound Transit.

Project Timeline: The project is under construction and is expected to be complete by the end of June 2012.

Contact: Denise Pirolo, project engineer, at dpirolo@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3830

Sidewalk adjacent to Transit Center bus layover project

This project will build a sidewalk (connecting a gap) on the north side of Central Avenue just east of 6th Street where the Transit Center buses layover.

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Kirkland street projects in the pipeline | Construction Corner

SOUTH BEND Citing environmental health concerns, the county Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to veto an ordinance to rezone a piece of land on Indiana 23 to accommodate a retail development.

"I think we need to be sensitive about how we handle sewer in unincorporated areas of the county," Commissioner Bob Kovach, D-District 3, said after the meeting.

The water in the northeast part of the county, including much of Granger, already contains high amounts of nitrates because of the high concentration of septic systems in the area, according to the Health Department.

In an attempt to begin to address the problem, the Regional Water and Sewer District recently embarked on a $2.5 million sewer project in the Granger Business District.

In that environment, and on behalf of Frank Perri, KPS Concepts Inc. petitioned the county to rezone the property at 15684 Indiana 23 from Single Family District to Commercial District back in January.

Perri, a local developer, would like to construct a 9,000-square-foot retail building on the site, which sits on the south side of the road just east of Heritage Square.

Against the recommendation of the Area Plan Commission, and despite opposition from the county Health Department, the County Council approved the petition 9-0 March 13.

In opposing the petition, the plan commission cited the fact that the site does not have access to sewer or water, and that, as part of its comprehensive plan for the area, the city of Mishawaka does not intend to provide those services at this time.

"Therefore," the commission wrote in its report, "rezoning this property to commercial is premature at this time."

For its part, the Health Department expressed concern that the site, which totals about 2.15 acres, is too small to accommodate the type of septic system needed to support the proposed development.

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Sewer concerns prompt rezoning petition veto

A new village drought-driven water conservation campaign is all about flappers, not the kind seen on dance floors in the 1920s, but the essential mechanism in commodes across the nation.

Leaking toilet flappers account for about 10 percent of most wasted water, Ruidoso Utilities Director Randy Camp said Wednesday. "In our case, it's higher in the village, probably 15 percent, because we have so many second homes that go unattended for months at a time."

Under the new "Fix Your Flapper" push, when homeowners pay their bills at the water desk in Village Hall, clerks will distribute dye tablets that can be placed in a toilet tank and will indicate leakage if the water in the toilet bowl becomes colored, Camp explained to village councilors during their meeting earlier this month.

"The toilet receives the highest use in any household, about 20 percent, he said. "They can leak up to 200 gallons a day and that's a 6,000 gallon hit on a monthly water bill. A new flapper would pay for itself the first month."

The village remains in Phase IV water restrictions enacted last summer, he said.

"We're not going to pull out until something turns around," Camp said. "We're still in a prolonged drought."

During the council meeting, Councilor Jim Stoddard said while village officials are aware of the necessity of conserving water, especially this year with a light snowpack, "I don't think all our citizens are. I wonder if we can do a better job and explain why there

Village Manager Debi Lee said she met with Kerry Gladden of The Agency about a complete water conservation campaign to be called the "Water Wrangler Program." She will be handing out information to councilors about the campaign soon.

"There will be a lot of press releases, radio announcements, coloring contests in the schools to bring water conservation forward," she said.

In view of the limited snowmelt, Stoddard asked if water is bring diverted to Grindstone Reservoir from the Rio Ruidoso, while some significant flow is occurring. The river is the reservoir's only source to replenish the lake.

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Fix your flapper

Village Manager Debi Lee said the village received notification that the New Mexico Legislature allocated $122,000 for relocation of Ruidoso sewer system lines.

The project previously was presented to the council for approval and was submitted to state Rep. Zach Cook to sponsor.

"This project along with others totaling $10,640,000 was authorized in the House Tax and Revenue Committee," she said. The governor signed the bill.

After a July 2008 flood on the Rio Ruidoso, the Army Corps of Engineers ordered sewage lines removed from the river bed primarily in Upper Canyon or for other measures to prevent contamination of the river water from old cracked lines and damaged manholes. The project will cost more than $20 million, but the largest portion of the cost will be picked up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of the flood damage to the lines.

In a related issue, staff conducted a planning meeting to discuss the design and alignment of a sewer line extension in the Pine Cliff subdivision. Lee said property owners are being contacted for approval and execution of utility rights of way easements that are needed to install the sewer line that will allow property owners affected by the Swallow Fire last year to connect to the village system instead of installing new septic systems.

Councilor Jim Stoddard said while councilors all are aware of the necessity of conserving water, especially this year with a light snowpack, "I don't think all our citizens

Lee said she met with Kerry Gladden of The Agency about a complete water conservation campaign to be called the Water Wrangler Program. She will be handing out information to councilors about the campaign soon.

"There will be a lot of press releases, radio announcements, coloring contests in the schools to bring water conservation forward," she said.

The village also will be distributing tablets that can be used to test toilets for leakage from tanks to bowls aimed at decreasing the estimated 25 percent of wasted water from leaking toilet tank flappers.

In view of the limited snowmelt, Stoddard asked if water is bring diverted to Grindstone Reservoir from the Rio Ruidoso, while some significant flow is occurring.

Continued here:
Ruidoso to receive state funds for sewer project

For the last few years, people on Sudbury Street in Marlboro I live nearby have been talking about a big project that would install a sewer system, fix broken water lines and repair the street and install sidewalks. The total cost and scope is a bit unclear, somewhere between $14 million and $18 million. And its approval going into a March 26 meeting of Marlboros 11-person City Council hinges on one or two votes that are up for grabs.

This project was first proposed in 1997, to address two problems. Sudbury Street is a very narrow and hilly street with a speed limit of 25 mph. But commuters speed down the street at 40 mph, on their way to Route 20 a shortcut to Route 128 and the Mass Pike. Add in the big trucks that use Sudbury Street to deliver their loads, and you get potholes and danger for those who want to go for a walk.

Many of the houses on the street were built in the 1960s, and their septic systems are starting to fail. When they do, residents may fork over up to $50,000 to replace them. The proposed project would allow those who have not yet been forced to replace their systems to hook up to the new sewer line for a connection fee of as much as $5,000, plus $484 annually a relative bargain compared to a whole new septic system, though far more than the $200 cost of pumping their septic tanks out every few years.

The proposed project would be very disruptive to people who drive through or live on Sudbury Street. Thats because the project calls for digging up Sudbury Street, shutting it down to traffic. There would be other problems, such as construction noise, as well as the possible loss of water, electricity and cable service during the process.

In a March 5 meeting of the five-member Marlboro Finance Committee, a motion to advertise a bond proposal to finance part of the project was approved in a 3-2 vote. Mark Oram, a councilor-at-large who voted for the project, told me in a March 11 interview that he favored the project because residents wanted it, and despite the high capital expenditures involved, the citys excellent bond rating a March 5 Standard & Poors report gave the citys general obligation debt a AA+ long-term rating would finance the project at a low interest rate.

Katie Robie, a new councilor, was being courted for her vote going into the March 26 City Council vote on whether to advertise the $14 million project. Ms. Robie pointed out that eight votes are needed to pass, and on March 11 she thought that six councilors would vote in favor.

Ms. Robie appeared to be weighing the additional costs of the project against the need to fix Sudbury Street and provide residents with a cheaper way to process their waste.

Ms. Robie estimates the project cost at $14 million including $4 million for the street construction with $300,000 for street design, $5 million for sewer construction and $2.2 million for the water project. Bond duration would vary by sub-project: street construction (10 years), sewer (30) and water (40).

Then there is the cost to individual taxpayers. She said that estimates were $162 more in annual taxes for Marlboro residents for all the various construction projects in the city $70 of which would be for the Sudbury Street project.

Mike Ossing, chairman of the Finance Committee, voted against the proposal. On March 11, he said that he thinks the project will cost $18 million, and he does not know how much for each sub-project. Due to Marlboros many other projects, he does not think now is the time to do the Sudbury Street one.

See the original post here:
Marlboro sewer project not a done deal

Officials plan to extend sewer lines to Melzena and Adeline streets because of problems with some of the homes' septic tanks.

However, several residents told the township supervisors on Thursday that their septic tanks work just fine. They also don't want to shell out extra money to tap into the system and install grinder pumps, which reduce sewage to finely ground particles.

Gary Deily, who has lived on Melzena Street for 40 years, suggested residents could tap into a sewer line that uses one pump station for the entire street, similar to other areas of the township.

Deily and others are concerned that the grinder pumps might malfunction, leaving them with more problems.

"We want (municipal) sewerage," Deily said. "We just want the right kind of sewerage."

Township officials said a central pump isn't possible for that area because of the elevation and the proximity of the homes to the proposed sewer line.

The project is moving ahead now because the township recently succeeded in getting a $200,000 grant for the $250,000 project.

The township plans to seek additional grant funds in an effort to pay for the project and ease the financial burden on residents.

The township began seeking funding in 2007 after receiving a letter from the Allegheny County Health Department, which stated that, of 13 Melzena Street properties the department surveyed, three septic tanks were leaking to the surface and seven had site limitations that precluded repairs.

The health department requested that the township determine the feasibility and cost of extending public sewage lines to the area.

See the article here:
Springdale Township sewer project troubles some residents