Summary: This project will replace septic systems with a sewer and wastewater treatment plant for 304 homes near lakes Waccabuc, Oscaleta, Truesdale, and Rippowam. The project depends on getting funding for the capital costs and agreement from the homeowners to proceed.
The Town held an information meeting on October 8, 2024. The presentation from that meeting is here, and the questions and answers from that session are here. The YouTube of the meeting is here.
Background
In 2021, the town obtained grant funds for engineering studies on lakes Kitchawan, Truesdale, and Waccabuc. Study results pointed to failing and poorly functioning septic systems as a significant source of phosphorus pollution to our lakes – and, as you know, phosphorus enables growth of algae and aquatic plants. Septic systems work when the wastewater can percolate and be purified by chemical and bacterial actions in the soil. A failing septic system has wastewater evident from the surface or backing up into the home. Poorly functioning septic systems allow septic wastewater to reach groundwater before being purified. Groundwater can then carry phosphorus to the lakes and carry pollution into the aquifers that provide our drinking water. Poorly functioning septic systems may pass DOH muster but still pollute.
In our watersheds, poorly functioning septic systems are likely to be a larger issue than failing systems. Poorly functioning systems can result from environmental constraints or aging system components. Septic systems need good soils to treat wastewater. Poorly functioning septic systems may be on steep slopes (>15%), or have shallow depth to bedrock, shallow depth to groundwater, very fast or very slow infiltration rates, or be within 150’ of lakes, streams, or wetlands. Or they could be old. EPA estimates that the lifespan of a septic system is 50 years. Cornell Cooperative Extension says the best-case useful life is 20 to 30 years. Regular pumping and maintenance should help extend operational life, but at some point septic systems will need replacement. Most of the homes around our lakes are more than 50 years old. Even with replacement, the environmental issues of slope and soil on our constrained lots have not changed. Sewers will ensure that the waste is properly handled.
Proposal
With Input from community members and elected officials, engineers developed a sewer proposal, sized based on anticipated funding availability of $40M. The plan includes selected parcels on Truesdale, Waccabuc, Rippowam, and Oscaleta lakes. The wastewater treatment plant will be built near the Town’s current recycling center and highway garage. A collection system will run from the homes, along the roads, to the wastewater treatment plant. After treatment, plant effluent will be discharged into the Waccabuc River tributary stream that flows out of Truesdale Lake.
The red parcels on this map will be in the sewer district.
Next steps
Many steps remain before implementation. We need to obtain funding for the capital expenses. The plan requires approval by a host of permitting agencies. A majority of homes that would be in the project must vote in favor. Stay informed. Three Lakes Council will continue to update the community by this website and its google group distribution.