District superintendent Timothy Woodward made good use of the hanging charts and maps throughout the room while explaining his ideas for completing the sewer system around Lake Wawasee. The engineering team has already rolled out an estimated cost of the extension of Vawter Park. Board member Robert Dumford, left, and board president James Boone, right, walk through the math with Andy Boxberger, Carson LLP, facing away.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — The goal has always been to provide sewer to the people of the lakes. This is a phrase the board for the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District has reiterated meeting after meeting.

As the board continues to walk through finalizing steps to kick off the Eastshore and Northshore projects, they continue to look toward the future and the opportunity to completely sewer Lake Wawasee.

Just as the dust has settled on the expense of additional sewers for many local property owners, the board made a motion to begin the cost estimation for extending the existing sewer line on Vawter Park. Though the decision may be seen as flippant or rushed to some locals, district superintendent Timothy Woodward feels the board and the district have plenty of justification for this option. Woodward referenced two extensions of that specific sewer line since 2016 — a continuation of this process seems like a waste of resources.

The request to extend the sewer came from just one homeowner, but would offer potentially up to 20 additional customers. He also indicated a property owner having complete ownership over sewer that is housed in the district’ right of way can be risky business.

Looking at preventative options and getting ahead of these decisions is something the board is proud of. “We have historically always been preventative in our maintenance,” said board member Robert Dumford, adding “it’s paid off for us in a lot of ways.” With this mindset, the board also voted to pursue a complete replacement of existing sewer lines that run under a CSX railroad track. This decision allows the district to work directly with the company ahead of time to gain permissions instead of waiting for an emergency situation to occur from the outdated lines.

Public members may not be as keen with the option of the Vawter Park extension, however. The board acknowledged these remaining sewerless property owners live on high ground, and may not see the need or advantage for the protection of sewers. Ultimately, if the board moves forward with a project for the extension any property owners who fall into that will be forced to connect or face penalties. As always, property owners with newer, functioning septic systems will have an opportunity to get a 10-year total exemption from the sewer, and will be notified in writing.

Outside of the larger projects that are easy to see, the district has also been following through with more preventative maintenance and money-savings trials. Woodward shared some of the science fun he’s been having in the background finding the best way to reduce solid output and save money on the increasing cost of chemicals. Alum is a coagulation chemical that will cost much less ($0.14 per gallon) and do the same work as the current ferric chloride ($0.41 per gallon). Woodward is using his microscope to monitor the negative and positive effects of any of these changes as he makes room for additional holiday flow.

Some smaller items also made the agenda, including: an updated timeframe for the Eastshore/Northshore interim rate to take effect (Jan. 1, 2022, with first bill in February); a quick letter to property owners that will go out this week requesting their own opinion on where to install pumps; and an approved salary ordinance for 2022 wages.

While there were only two public members present during Monday night’s meeting, area local Ann Xanders made a fair point the district wished to share with all property owners in the district. Customers of the district who wish to receive mail at a different address than their billing property address need to contact the district directly to get that change updated.

The board will meet again at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20.