The meeting recently held in North Harmony relative to extending the sewer system on the west side of the lake was a model for engaging the public in a project which affects them. I don’t think there was a dissent in the hundred or so attendees who did not appreciate the candor and informative nature of the presentation made by Sewer District engineers in describing the Phase II extension.

One piece of new information presented was the fact that property owners could expect to be contacted about the project starting this summer. There will be “boots on the ground” was the message conveyed.

As far as I am concerned, this is terrific news. The lake is busiest in the summer and many landowners who are not residents are here on the lake. Therefore, if someone from the Sewer District should knock on your door this summer … you should not be surprised. They will be prepared to explain the sewer expansion plan and how it will affect your individual residence.

One of the requirements in preparing for construction is the gathering of needed easements from landowners. In most cases, the easements will deal with the placement of pump/grinder units which will need to installed. Often, if two properties are adjoining, the District will want to place these units along the property line. One pump/grinder has the capacity to serve two homes, and, where possible and for efficient operation, the easement will be along the property line separating these parcels.

Though the pump/grinders will be owned, operated and maintained by District, the ownership of the land itself remains the property of the homeowners. The easement will allow the District access to the units for maintenance and repair.

The good news for landowners, is that they will only be responsible for the hook-up between their existing septic systems and the pump/grinders … which, in most cases, is a relatively short distance. The cost of everything else (lateral pipelines, pumps, etc.) is paid for by the District.

If any landowner in the Phase II area (between Stow and Prendergast Point) wants to see how the pump/grinders look installed–just drive down through Stow and you can see the manhole and marker posts which show their location.

Another activity going on this summer, is the work of the engineering company in preparing detailed design drawings and conducting soil samples to enable companies to accurately bid on construction.

The actual bidding will occur next year (2024,) and it is hoped that construction can take place from Winter 2024-25 through Winter 2026.

The other good news is that the County was successful in receiving a commitment from New York State (which includes federal funds) for grants in the amount of $15 million which will be the backbone of financing for the $24 million project. The remaining $9 million will be financed by interest-free debt made available through the Environmental Facilities Corporation of New York State. The per-user annual sewer fee once operational, as in Phase I of the project, is estimated to be $1,000 or less in order to comply with the affordability standards of the New York State Comptroller.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.