Polly Wright of Colt Lane wrote me with a number of great questions. I'd bet she's not the only one with these questions, so I've paraphrased her questions and quoted my answers for all to read:
Q: Shouldn't we call this the Berry's Chapel Sewer Project? Could you change the name to better reflect the area?
A: Regarding the name of the project, the county is referring to it as the "Grassland Sanitary Sewer Project." You are probably right that it would be better to call it the Berry's Chapel project. However, I am going to keep in-step with the official name of the project to avoid confusion. Therefore, we will continue to call it the Grassland Sewer Project.
Q: I heard that the Highgate subdivision had a sewer installed and it was very inexpensive. Is that true?
A: I will do some research into the Highgate subdivision and get back to you. Our hope is that by negotiating together we can significantly lower the costs of the project. As you can tell, we've already gotten a 250% improvement in the grinder warranty. That is just the start!
Q: Can Lynwood handle our waste? Haven't they had a lot of problems over the years?
A: Regarding Lynwood, you are right that they have had a number of problems over the years. However, I have confirmed that they invested a significant sum in a large capital expansion and modernization project. They have almost 500 taps reserved for our project plus enough capacity to handle the waste.
Q: I've heard that residents of Cottonwood pay a lot for sewer. Will we have to pay more than them?
A: Regarding your Cottonwood question, there are a number of factors that contribute to monthly sewer costs including the volume of waste water that is processed. The lowest cost for our neighborhoods is $24/month, which is what it would cost to install the main lines, but not hook up. The cost per month would increase as you hook up and process waste. [Note: Please review the official "cost elements" document]
It is likely that any costs incurred by this project would be offset by increased home values. In fact, some real estate brokers are claiming that Meadowgreen/Hillsboro Acres home values might jump by as much as 50%. Farmington could also see healthy appreciation.
Q: Please define a failing septic system for me. Is it really a serious problem?
A: I will try to get a more specific description of a failed septic system, but I think it is safe to assume it is akin to "a system that will no longer process waste water in a sanitary way." It is indeed a health issue and it is serious. [Note: read more about the seriousness of this problem here]
Q: I've lived here a long time and my septic tank works. I've taken care of it, and its hardly needed any help over the years. Why can't people just learn how to take care of theirs? It's not that hard to do, and is a lot cheaper.
A: My septic tank, like yours, is healthy. However, my neighbor's is not, and, despite his best efforts to service and maintain his system, his land won't perk. Therefore, he pumps his family's waste into his yard, my yard, and other neighbors' yards. The stench is terrible in the summer. It is a health threat to his children and my son. The problem is not the way he cares for the system, nor the many repairs he's made, nor his desire to fix the problem. The fact is simple - his land will no longer process his waste. His land is too rocky, too small, too clay packed, etc to handle the waste any more. More and more neighbors are experiencing this, and it hurts all property values.
Again, if you have questions or comments, please write us at 37069 United! and we will get the answers you need.
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