‘Important Milestone’: Second phase of Westside Sewer Expansion complete

CHAUTAUQUA – South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the formal completion of Phase II of the district's Westside Sewer Extension.

Phase II of the project, which began in 2024 and was completed this summer, extended public sewer service along 3.6 miles of Route 394 in the North Harmony and Chautauqua, providing service to 520 parcels. The Phase Two extension continues the county's long-term investment in protecting Chautauqua Lake while replacing aging or failing private septic systems with centralized public sewer infrastructure. Failing and outdated septic systems can contribute phosphorus and other nutrients to the lake through direct discharges and tributary waterways.

"Today is an important milestone for Chautauqua Lake, our lake communities and the future of this County," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. "For decades, county leaders, our sewer district, state and federal partners, and residents have worked toward the goal of expanding public sewer service around Chautauqua Lake. The completion of Phase Two demonstrates what can be accomplished when we remain committed to that vision. This project is about more than pipes and infrastructure -- it is about protecting our lake, strengthening our communities and making a long-term investment in Chautauqua County."

Thomas Walsh, director of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, said the completion of Phase Two represents years of planning, engineering and construction work. The South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District's Westside Sewer Extension began with Phase I in 2017, extending the district toward the Hamlet of Stow. Phase Two continued that work from the Stow area westward along NYS Route 394 toward the boundary with the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District service area, as well as along Davis Road toward Camp Prendergast.

"Completing Phase Two is a significant accomplishment for the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District and for everyone who has contributed to this project," said Walsh. "This extension brings reliable public sewer service to hundreds of properties while addressing aging septic infrastructure and reducing potential nutrient loading to Chautauqua Lake. We are proud of the work that has gone into this phase and grateful to our staff, contractors, engineers, residents and funding partners who helped make it a reality."

Karen Rine, chair of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Board, said the project reflects a long-term commitment to protecting the lake for future generations.

"This ribbon cutting represents much more than the completion of a construction project," said Rine. "It represents decades of persistence and a shared commitment to the health of Chautauqua Lake. The completion of Phase Two is a tremendous achievement, and I want to recognize the dedication of our district staff, board members, County officials and all of our partners who have continued moving this important work forward."

While Phase II is now complete, work continues on Phase III, the final stretch of the sewer expansion around Chautauqua Lake. Phase III will extend public sewer infrastructure from Point Chautauqua to Midway State Park, closing the remaining gap and completing the system connection around the lake's south and northern basins.

"Phase Two has established an important foundation for the work that remains," Walsh said. "Our focus now is on continuing the progress toward completion of Phase Three. When this entire expansion is finished, it will represent a generational investment in infrastructure and environmental protection for Chautauqua Lake."

For more information about the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, visit Chautauqua County's Water and Sewer Districts webpage.