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03/02/2016 08:15 AMWith the year-round population rising along the waterfront in the past 30 years since the last formal study was conducted, the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) submitted a $100,000 request in this year’s budget to perform an updated facilities study to analyze the issues associated with the use of septic systems in densely populated shoreline communities.
In 2014 and 2015 the WPCA identified that the number of septic systems being installed in close proximity to wetlands and beaches is a growing concern, according to WPCA Chairman Thomas Hansen. Hansen said the facilities study will help to clearly identify these issues and possible solutions.
“It will identify environmental issues associated with continued use of septic systems in densely developed areas and along the shoreline, wetlands, and marshes,” he said. “It will look at technological advances that can be incorporated into new systems and it will provide guidance on how the town could establish one or more wastewater management districts to assist homeowners with upgrading their systems.”
To fund the study, the town is also eligible for a grant reimbursement through the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), according to Hansen, who said the project has already been submitted to DEEP and is currently on the Clean Water Fund Priority list.
“There is a 55 percent grant reimbursement from DEEP,” he said. “The town would need to appropriate the full amount and get reimbursed at completion. The estimate is the WPCA’s request to the town. The DEEP has not commented yet on the budget.”
While the study would likely take more than a year, Hansen said they are eager to get the study off the ground after failing to start the process last year. Additionally, Clinton is about to complete its facilities study, and Hansen said DEEP will be looking at Madison next.
“DEEP can order the town to do the update, but they will let us proceed at our own pace for the time being,” he said. “This should not be viewed as an adversarial relationship with DEEP or as an unfunded mandate. Planning is essential if we want to maintain our quality of life and high standards of environmental protection.”
The facilities study would also help align the WPCA with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which was adopted in 2012. Hansen said the plan calls for the development of a wastewater management district to help “protect groundwater, wetlands, marshes, and the waters of Long Island Sound.”
If the budget for the facilities study is approved, the next step is to prepare a request for qualifications for engineering firms and await DEEP approval. Hansen said it is important the process is done correctly, not quickly.
“Its a pro-active approach that if done well, will fend off the need for more expensive measures in the future,” he said.