From left, Daryl Daniels and Stan Schrumpf talk with John Julien of Umbaugh and Associates and Timothy Woodward about cost and timing for the Eastshore Northshore sewer project. Woodward estimated a cost of about $9 per foot for directional drilling and $27 per foot for an open cut method. Photo by Chelsea Los.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — As the weather heats up and lakes get busier, the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District team is prepping for the heaviest flow of the year — the July Fourth holiday. The TCRSD board met Monday night, June 21, to review district updates and talk through progress on the Eastshore Northshore sewering project.

District Superintendent Timothy Woodward is estimating this year will set a new record flow for the district. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted and an early warm streak, it is no surprise homes and lakes are full around the area. Woodward reported the district completed a full water flush June 15 and did some repairs, as well. The district crew replaced a 30-year-old pump at Runaway Bay and corrected work on a filled-in septic tank that was done improperly.

As the district gets closer to opening bids on the Eastshore and Northshore project, Woodward has also scheduled an on-site training with a preferred pump rep, Zoeller. This training allows local contractors and district employees to learn more about the Zoeller pumps and how to maintain and repair those. Woodward plans to provide pump recommendations to customers who will be part of this larger project so he can provide info on the best equipment for the cost.

Two local customers joined the district for Monday night’s meeting; Daryl Daniels and Stan Schrumpf will both be affected by the new sewers and had questions around cost and timing for the project. Woodward provided some rough numbers, letting the men know depending on how each property owner needs to connect the price will vary. At last quote, contractors were estimating $9 per foot for directional drilling or $27 per foot for open cut lines. Schrumpf estimated he will need to run 150- to 175-feet of line for his property.

Daniels also indicated he has a second property that is a barn only, but does have a sink and toilet. Bob Dumford, board member, indicated any property that has the capability of producing sewage is required to connect. This means each property will be billed for the $5,800 flat connect fee, plus the additional $100 permit cost, as well as cost to run line to connect. Woodward indicated the district is hoping to start construction in September, but guessing when the requirement to connect will land is nearly impossible as weather and contractor availability factors play into timing so heavily.

The board will meet again 7 p.m. Monday, July 19.