Updated December 24, 2017

Asewer pipeneeds to be installed carefully with the adequate slope. The installation method and process is almost identical for all types of pipe orculvertmaterials. Depending on the sewer pipe material, things could be easier or more complicatedbecause the installation process might be more challenging, more equipment and labor might be needed.

01

To start, you must determine how far the pipe needs to goand determine the elevation at which the pipe will be connected to the specific fixture or if it will be connected to another pipe. Another important element is to determine the final installation height. Both, initial and final elevation. must be measured at the interior point of the connecting pipe, right in the middle of the pipe. Use laser level, GPS or traditional surveying equipment to help you with this.

02

Now that you have both elevations and the pipe length, we need to calculate the pitch or fall of the sewer pipe run. Subtract both elevations and divide the horizontal or pipe length into the difference in elevation, and that will be the drop per linear foot or meters of pipe.

Be careful, a drop greater than per foot is not adequate as water will flow faster than solids, while a slope too small, less than 0.003, will be sufficient to carry solids away. The recommended pitch for 4" pipe is 1/8" to 1/4" per foot. You don't want to have too much of a slope as that might also create another type of problems.

03

Start by opening the trench. Be careful once the trench is open and follow all safety measures to protect workers inside and outside the trench. Remove all loose dirt at the trench bottom and grade the trench bottom so the pipe could be installed over a smooth surface.

Sometimes you will need to place a bedding material to provide additional support to the sewer pipe, to reduce the possibility of sag after the trench has been backfilled.

The best material to use for bedding material is sand, but if unavailable you can choose gravel bedding. Be careful on not to use sharp stone or other material that sometimes can punctuate the sewer pipe.

04

Once the select portion of trench has been prepared, lay the sewer pipe in the trench. It is recommended to start at the lower end of the pipe run, up to the higher elevation. If the sewer pipehas a bell end; the bell end must be placed on the uphill side of the pipe run, reducing the possibility of leakage.

Remember, before applying glue to the sewer PVC pipes, you must apply purple PVC primer. Purple PVC primer chemically cleans the PVC surface so the glue acts properly. Insert the male end of the pipe into the female end and twist a little bit.

To be sure that the pitch is being followed correctly, install a string along the pipe run. The string must be installed with the same slope as the pipe will be, but just one foot over the finished level. The measure from the string to the bottom of the trench will be the same along the entire run.

05

It is probable that the last portion of the run will need just a fraction of a pipe. Be aware that you will also need additional fittings to complete the installation. Once the pipe has been installed completely, check for any pipe that could be disconnected, broken or not installed properly.

Now place the sand and/or gravel over the pipe, enough to cover at least 10 over the sewer pipe. Start compacting the material with a rammer or any other compaction equipment suitable for the type of pipe being installed.

On long pipe runs, this process could be started once the pipe has been installed and while working on the next pipe segment. It is important to install a warning tape over the first layer of compacted soil, so others will be aware when excavating that a pipe is located under the detectable warning tape.

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Guide to Installing a Sewer Pipe - thebalancesmb.com

Septic Tank Cleaning

We are the professionals when it comes to solving plumbing issues. If its clearing clogs or fixing pipes, we have the knowledge and skills to take care of it. Even the normal use of a septic system can have sludge build up. Let the professionals do the job if your septic system needs a cleaning. Cleaning your system should happen on a schedule of 2-5 years because sludge build-up ruins drain fields and solids build-up in the tank clogs the plumbing system. Necessary maintenance is a must to prevent many issues

Your plumbing system may not be the first thing on your mind. Leave that to us. If you have a plumbing issue, it could be a messy situation. We know how a system should work correctly and we will get your system repaired and up and running. If your septic system isnt working properly, let the knowledgeable and skilled professionals know. Skip Wooten installs new systems for replacement of old or damaged systems, and we also install drain fields sized on the house. Sewer lines need to work well from the house to septic tank. Skip Wooten can install user-friendly devices for D.I.Y. We also offer septic tank permitting.Septic repairs most of the time are drain fields, the tanks are usually in good shape but its always worth having a system checked twice. Contact us today.

Are you interested in installing a septic system for your home? Septic systems are environmentally safe options. We can have our technicians survey your property help determine the right system for you.Systems deserve thought for location prior to install due to future plans, yard, add-ons, patio, driveway, etc. If you are planning to install a septic system at your home. Contact us today.

Septic tank abandonment is done to safely remove unused, old septic tanks to avoid building or inspection concerns. An abandoned septic tank can be dangerous to the homeowners, they can create dangerous sinkholes around the area if not professionally. Thankfully, Skip Wooten Septic Service is not only trained in safe and effective septic tank abandonment processes but our technicians are experts. We can take care of all your septic tank needs. Safety is always key at Skip Wooten Septic Service.Contact us today, with any questions regarding your home, future home, or business.

Do you need a septic system? Have you considered your options? Our experts are available to talk to you about all of our residential septic tank design solutions. We have design solutions to accommodate any home. We will make sure that you feel informed throughout every step of the process. Let the experts help you. Contact us today.

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Skip Wooten Septic - One Stop Shop, At The Right Price

The following tip comes fromjunglejim0745a FTRV.com forum member:

I installed septic systems for quite a few years and have seen some weird things people have done with their systems.

Installing an RV sewer dump into a home septic system is very easy. Remember sewer lines should not have quick drops because the water will leave the solids if there are any. Large elevation changes should be made with 90 degree drops. One inch of drop in a one hundred foot line is almost overkill, we always tried for no more than a half inch drop per hundred foot, but that is hard to do using plastic line. Ideally the solids are kept with the liquid and casually float to the septic tank entrance.

Connect your RV dump line into the septic system between the house and septic tank, never into the drain field. Another option is to drop the discharge from you RV directly into the top of the septic tank, preferably before the baffle, but after the baffle will work if that is the only possibility.

A macerator or other grinder will help but is not a requirement. I have installed RV dump lines into several septic systems, used both methods and never had a problem with them. First one I installed was in about the early 1970s and it is still being used to dump RV septic waste.

The reason I mentioned to install the dump line between the house and septic tank is that I had a dear friend that decided to put in his own septic dump for their RV and hooked it in AFTER the tank and before the leach lines. Needless to say it took us a while digging up the lines and replacing them to get his system working properly again.

If the dump is being used daily or very frequently one needs to make sure to hook in between the house and tank, but for occasional use dumping into the tank after the baffle will work. The baffle in septic tanks is an insurance policy to ensure that the solids go down, not across the top of the liquid in the tank and out into the drain lines.

If dumping in after the baffle, it is a good idea to make sure the waste enters perpendicular, and even to drop the end of the dump down into the water level a few inches. This helps direct the solids to the bottom. I always put the dump about six inches down into the water. NEVER bring waste in AFTER the baffle in a horizontal configuration as the agitation could send the solids across the top of the liquid right into the drain field outlet.

Dumping a forty five gallon tank all at once wont if the RV dump line is installed as I describe.

When installing new septic systems on lots lots that were big enough for RVs to be parked I always offered to install an RV dump free of charge and connected it between the house and tank whenever possible. I figured it would save digging up the yard later to install one, and the additional cost of the pipe was minimal.

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Install an RV dump on your home septic system - RV Tip of ...

Sewer mains are extremely important and require a lot of coordination with your local city or town. The cost to install a sewer line may or may not fall directly on you, but regardless it's good to be informed about the different factors that can impact installation cost. It's crucial to use a professional if your city isn't doing the installation. A licensed professional can help walk you through the process and explain the sewer pipe installation cost for your municipality and home. Here are some factors that might come into play with the cost to install a sewer line.

Housing type The type of home you live instand alone home, townhouse, or part of a housing tractcan affect the cost to install a sewer main line. Some stand alone houses may be responsible for the cost to install a sewer line. In other types of homes, it can be part of city services or a HOA's responsibility, which would be part of a fee. It's important to look into how your city handles sewer issues, and how your neighborhood fits into that plan.

Red tape Anything sewer-related requires city permits and regulations. These types of permits will add to sewer main pipe installation. If your city isn't in control of your installation, then the professional you work with will need to ensure that everything is covered in this regard. Make sure to figure out who will need to procure the proper permits when talking to your professional before beginning the project.

Distance to connector lineThe distance between your home and the connector line will impact the cost to install a main sewer line. The further away it is, the more pipe that will need to be installed, which will raise both materials and labor costs.

ObstaclesAnything that might get in the way of digging will increase installation cost. This means any landscaping or trees will need to be removed before construction can start. Any concrete will also need to be removed. The costs to replace and fix these areas after installation will be additional costs to you to consider.

Existing pipeIf you're replacing an old sewer line, then installation can be more complicated. The existing sewer line might be below your gas line, which would increase sewer pipe installation cost. Digging out old pipe and replacing it can increase the cost to install a sewer line. Another option is the slip lining process, which inserts a smaller pipe within an existing pipe. This is useful if a full excavation becomes impossible due to what's built on top of the existing pipe, or if there are other existing utility lines. This will also raise the cost to install a sewer line.

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2018 Sewer Main Installation Costs | Price to Replace a ...

Orange County and Ulster Countys Choice for Septic System ServicesWhen choosing the right home for your needs, as well as your family, one of the best decisions you could make is going with a septic system over municipal sewer and water. However, even though septic systems are increasingly popular, it may be difficult to find quality septic tank installation near you. In fact, many New York septic companies only pump out septic tanks, leaving a lot to be desired regarding repairs, replacements, and service.Whether you are in Orange County, NY or Ulster County NY, we can provide all your septic installation and repair needs. You should always speak with a professional and experienced septic contractor before making any final decision when you install or repair your septic system.

Our septic tank solutions take your household waste and take care of it in a completely natural way using healthy bacteria.

Our service technicians are professional with over a decade of experience in the septic service field. By using a experienced professional septic installation company near me (and you!), you can be sure that your waste is taken care of. It's that peace of mind that is needed. This is not septic repair is something that you want to worry about!

Before you give up on finding a septic contractor you can trust, call SEPTIC INSTALLATION PROS. We dont waste time pumping out septic tanks like everyone else. We go above and beyond, going the extra mile to give you the septic services you need. By offering all forms of septic installation and repair services, your septic systems will work great for longer.

Less reputable septic services companies may want to replace your septic tank even when you dont need to. And although there are legitimate times when replacing your tank is the best option, it should never be the first one on your list. In fact, a reliable septic tank services company should try everything in their power to keep you from having to come off the hip for a brand new tank.Although many aspects of your septic system can be replaced, if the drain field has stopped draining, its probably time to stop using it and replace it with a new tank. If your tank has stopped draining, has pushed your waste water back into your home, or has begun flooding your yard with hazardous wastes, its probably time to replace your old tank. Well always diagnose the problem first to see if the tank itself can be reused or not, and give you the best pricing possible on repairs and new septic tank installations.

Although concrete septic tank cost for installation services are higher than with plastic septic tanks, concrete tanks are the more popular choice for homeowners. Even though the initial price may be higher, concrete septic tanks have a lot to offer. Concrete septic can hold far more levels of effluent than other septic tanks, especially when compared to plastic tanks. Unlike tanks made from lighter materials, you never have to worry about concrete separating from the ground or floating as the heavy concrete holds it in place. The durability of concrete means that your tank is going to last many more years than more brittle lighter composite materials will. Best of all, you will never have to worry about being unable to use a concrete septic tank; concrete tanks have the legal approval to be employed in all 50 states, and some building zones even require it. When you need to make certain that your septic tank is going to keep working for you, just have us install your brand new concrete tank.

Although they arent nearly as durable as concrete septic tanks, poly septic tanks (short for polyurethane), do have their place. Plastic septic tanks are made from a lightweight, yet durable, plastic that gets the job done at a fraction of the price of concrete septic tanks.If youre in the market for a new septic tank, dont have a large family or perhaps you are only planning on being in your home part of the year, then choosing to have a poly septic tank installed may be the smart choice for your specific needs. Although many homeowners love concrete septic tanks, poly septic tanks do have some core advantages that shouldnt be ignored.If youre looking for septic tank installations but need to keep an eye on your budget, then plastic tanks are for you. Not only do you have the advantage of saving money on the septic system unit itself, which costs less than concrete systems, but they install faster and easier, saving you money on time and labor. Unlike concrete systems, poly septic tanks are much more resistant to cracking, meaning that in most cases they can last just as long, if not longer, than concrete units. Because they dont have metal or concrete components, poly septic tanks will not rust, and they will not corrode. Best of all, plastic remains water-tight, giving it a superior seal than with heavier septic tank types.

However, not all septic companies are created equal. Some just dont install your leach fields the way they should, taking shortcuts and potentially allowing your septic system to poison sources of groundwater or even streams. When that happens, the best option you have is called SEPTIC INSTALLATION PROS forseptic leach field repair in Orange County NY..Well find out where your leach field is leaking, ruptured, is contaminating, or any other issue you may have. Well make sure you have the right chambers installed correctly, leading to an efficient leach field that will last. Before you get roped into replacing your tank or even digging up the entire system, let us diagnose and repair your leach fields the easy way.

While not all septic systems have an accessible clean out, youll be glad that you had your clean outs installed the correct way. Clean outs are typically underground anyways, making it next to impossible to service it or install it yourself. This is particularly the case with existing units that need a new clean out installed

When you need your septic distribution box, or D Box, installed it must be done right to ensure that it will avoid issues. The D Box is where the different effluents are separated and distributed through the correct pathways. If your system drains wastewater that is full of water and soapy residues, its going to actually damage your septic tank by killing off the good bacteria that naturally grows and breaks down waste. Even worse if the harmful waste accidentally gets sent to the leach fields. Have your D Box installed with confidence by choosing us!

Our team employs a variety of different techniques to test your home for possible septic issues. With professional smoke testing, leaks become obvious, even behind fixtures, walls, and ceilings as smoke is safely administered throughout your home. Dye tests are employed to find leaks above ground, as a non-toxic fluorescent dye is added to the system to see where the leaks are most prominent. Dye tests are usually a routine occurrence for regular maintenance options, and may actually be required by some agencies.Perc tests is a technique used for leach fields to see just how much waste your leach field soil can absorb through natural percolation. By putting the ground through a testing process that involves flooding specific points, we can pinpoint areas that are oversaturated or arent taking on waste water as they should. This is an important service in Ulster County and Orange County NY.

If your home has plumbing below the property line, chances are your septic system uses an ejector pump to prevent backups and flooding from taking place. This can be especially problematic in basements which are difficult to drain out manually. Our team can quickly install your new ejector pumps, as well as your pump alarms which will signify when there is a major problem.

Our company has the experience you can depend on if youre thinking about having an aerobic system installed.

When you call Septic Installation Pros, you can say goodbye to your old outdated and potentially dangerous septic system. Add more capacity to your septic system by installing a new concrete septic tank. Our new concrete tanks can last up to 40 years, often more than that! Metal tanks will rot and cave in. It has happened that people have fallen into steel septic tanks because the covers have rotted out. If you have had your steel septic tank for more than 25 years, you really should have us come out and take a look at it. We will give you an honest appraisal as to whether or not you need a new septic tank installed.

Your septic system drain field should last between 25 and 30 years if treated properly. Our technicians can let you know if your system needs replacement or repair. Many times we can just repair your septic system saving you money! We can also replace leach fields and make your system run at 100% efficiency.

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Septic Tank Installation and Repair

Sometime you might be outside, the guests are arriving for lunch. You planned to serve it on the patio outside the house. Just before they arrive, you get a whiff of a terrible sewer smell.

Theplumbing roof vent pipe and yard-based septic vent pipe is a necessary partof your plumbing system. The purpose of the stink pipe, as it's sometimes called, is to enable the pressure in yourdrain system to equalize. When water and waste flows downyour drains, pressure in your plumbing drains increases asthe air in the system is displaced by water and waste. Withoutthe roof vent pipe, the drains would gurgle up into yoursinks, tubs and toilets.

Theplumbing roof vent pipe, and yard-based sewer vent pipe, are also a placewhere septic gases and sewer gases exit the system safely.These gases are a natural byproduct of the bacteria thatbreak down the waste in either your septic system or sewerline. Because of this naturally occurring cycle, the septicand sewer gases have a foul odor. Normally,the gases are carried up and away from the systems stink pipe. However, under certain conditions, these hydrogensulfide (also known as H2S) and methane gases might be pulleddown into your yard around your home or place of business.

Thereis also a new style septic system design called a pressuredose septic system. This style septic system is becomingmore popular as it utilizes both a solids and a liquid septic tank. By separating the liquidfrom the solids, it allows for a cleaner liquid to be pumpedup into the leeching field allowing the leeching field tobe significantly smaller than what would be necessary ina standard septic system. For safety reasons, this styleseptic system requires that the liquid tank be vented topurge the hydrogen sulfide and methane gases away from theelectronic pump found in the septic tank. With pressure dosestyle septic systems, the septic gases are purged directlyto the yard through a vent causing unpleasant odors, evenunder the best of conditions. This septic tank vent is typicallylocated somewhere in the yard near the liquid tank.

Ifyou notice sewer smell coming from your septic tank vent, don'tassume that you have serious problems with your septic system.As we mentioned earlier, hydrogen sulfide is a normal by-productof the breakdown of wastes occurring within your septic system.

In certain situations the hydrogen sulfide thatwould normally exit your roof vent and be carried up andaway, will actually be pulled down into your yard creatingnot only an annoying problem, but also an unhealthy livingenvironment. (For health information concerning hydrogensulfide see The Toxicology of hydrogen sulfide.)

Differentclimate conditions, such as temperature variances, temperature inversions and changein wind direction, can direct the gases back toward yourliving area. This problem can be magnified by the locationof your home as well. If your home is located against a hillor near objects taller than your roof vent pipe, negative pressurescan naturally develop pulling the septic gas or sewer gasdown from your roof vent pipe and into your yard or place of business. Inthe case of sewer lines, since they dont utilize plumbingtraps, your home or buildings roof vent can be an exit sourcefor not only the sewer gases created within your structurebut for all the homes and structures on your main sewer line.

So, how do you stop septic odor? Whileyou cant stop the creation of septic and sewer gases, youcan eliminate the odor that is caused as they exit the roofvent pipe or septic tank vent by installing a Wolverine Brand activated carbon vent filter on top of your sewer vent.

The Wolverine Brand activated carbon vent filter (sometimes called a charcoal vent filter) was specifically designed tosafely remove the hydrogen sulfide and methane gases fromthe air exiting your septic and sewer vents. And best ofall, The Wolverine Brand activatedcarbon vent filter is easy to install, comes with a 120-day moneyback guarantee and a one-year limited warranty.

So what are you waiting for? Why not let Simple Solutions Distributing help you permanently eliminate that sewer smell outside your house once and for all. Learn more about the Wolverine Brand activated carbon vent filter and the entire Wolverine Brand Family of Odor Control Products.

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About That Septic Gas - Industrial Odor Control

For more that two hours Thursday, members of the Morgan County Regional Sewer District board heard about the process that will establish a rate for uses of the Waverly Sanitary Sewer System.

Board members met with representatives from engineering firm Beam-Longest-Neff, accounting consultants Umbaugh and Associates, Strategic Development Group for publicity and Cornerstone Grants for grant funds to discuss the progress of the system.

At this time, financing for the project will come from several sources, including grants and low-interest loans. Most of the available grants are based on the income of people living in an area.

Due to the wide range of incomes in the Waverly area, some homes qualify for grants while others do not.

Board members discussed having a company do a study to determine how many residents want and will hook on to the new sewer system and to do an income study to help determine what areas qualify for grants.

Determining the number of residents who want the system is vital in helping to determine the user rate. The more users who connect to the system, the lower the rate will be.

According to Doug Baldasari from Umbaugh, who is working on establishing a rate, there are many factors to consider.

Baldasari said Umbaugh does a large amount of work for regional sewer districts. He gave the board a worksheet showing the items that have to be taken into consideration in establishing a rate.

One topic was final construction costs. At this time, the project has not been let out for bids. All construction costs are estimates only. Once the final amount is determined, the rate will have to include money to repay the construction cost.

Also to be considered are operational costs. Once the plant is built and the sewer lines installed, a private company will operate the system. The rate will have to include money to pay for the operation of the plant.

As for repair and expansion costs, according to Baldasari, the rate should reflect funding to pay for repairs of the plant and funding for future expansion.

Some board members expressed concerns that residents may not see the benefits of having a sanitary sewer system. According to BLN, having a sewer system eliminates any future septic system problems. It eliminates the pollution of ground water by septic waste. It also keeps septic waste out of the White River. Having a sewer system can add to the value of property.

There was discussion regarding, once Interstate 69 is complete, development around the Ind. 144/I-69 intersection. Board members said they felt development will depend on the availability of a sewer system.

Decisions to affect rates

Baldasari said the board will have to make some decisions before rates can be established. He said board members will have to determine if there will be a connection fee to hook onto the sewer line. If they decide there will be a fee, a decision will have to be made to determine the connection fee amount, and whether it can be paid upfront or in installments.

Due to the hills and valleys in the area, some homes will have to have a grinder pump to move waste into the sewer line. According to information from BLN, a grinder pump can cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Baldasari said the board will have to determine who the pays for the pumps. He said a decision will have to be made to determine if the district pays, then recovers the money though the user rate, or if the resident pays when the pump is installed.

Baldasari said another factor that affects the rates is whether the board has a part-time or full-time employee to take care of any problems that could develop or if it contracts with the company that operates the plant to deal will problems. That decision has to be made before a rate can be determined.

Amy Miller, of Cornerstone Grants, explained different grants available for the project. She said many of the grants depend on the income of those living in the area.

Scott Burgins of Strategic Development Group said he could assist with meeting with residents. His advice was, Be transparent and dont try to hide anything. Be honest with the residents.

Board members plan to meet with the Morgan County Redevelopment Commission, which is building the sewer plant, to see if there is funding available to do the income study and determine who is willing to connect to the system. They also want to begin the process to educate residents, not only in the Waverly area, but elsewhere in the county, about the benefits of a septic sewer system.

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Sewer board discusses rate process for Waverly system - Reporter-Times

FARMVILLE Construction to install long-awaited sewer lines along U.S. 258 to Watkins Mobile Home Park,a large low-income residential development with several failing septic systems, is scheduled to begin in November.

The Farmville Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 with commissioners John Moore and Brenda Elks opposed to approve the low bid for construction by Ralph Hodge Construction. The Aug. 22 motion, which was made by Commissioner Hunter Walters and seconded by Commissioner David Shackleford, has been in the works since November 2016, when the town first received the construction bid.

Since January, the Farmville Board of Commissioners had repeatedly discussed the project, but either tabled or recessed the issue with no definitive action on whether or not the town wished to proceed or abandon the project.

The project is fully funded by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Infrastructure, which awarded the town a $2.386 million Community Development Block Grant Infrastructure in May 2013.

Farmville Manager David Hodgkins had hoped Aug. 7 and again Aug. 9 that the board would take action on the low-bid offer, but Commissioner Jamin Dixon requested more information regarding the grant agreement. Dixon wanted to be 100 percent certain the town would not be liable if fewer than 75 homes were connected to the newly installed sewer line.

When the project was first presented in 2013, 81 homes were proposed for connection. Since then, some homes have been removed from the property or demolished.

Referring to the Division of Water Infrastructures letter to the town, Mike Barnette, an engineer with McDavid Associates, the towns engineering and consulting firm, explained the town must hook up all homes within Watkins unless the property is vacant or documentation can be provided to show the residents septic tank is functional.

To date, 20 percent of the parks septic tanks are failing. The park has 91 lots and 80 occupied homes.

This program is designed to help poor people, but if we approve this it will make poor people homeless, Dixon said.

Barnette countered, I respectfully disagree.

Several residents in Watkins oppose the project, according to Dixon.

At least the ones who have functioning septic tanks, Dixon said, turning his attention to Hodgkins. I want to make sure we have been clear with the state that as a town, we are not endorsing to that state that the park residents want (this project). We have heard verbally from them, and now have in writing.

Dixon was referring to an email Elks received from the daughter of tenants who live in the park. The daughter, whose name was not disclosed, informed Elks that her parents are more afraid of the parks owners than the criminals who live around them.

The couple claims when McDavid staff went door-to-door collecting financial information from the tenants to provide documentation of a 51 percent population of low- to moderate-income residents, they were threatened and told if they did not provide a bank statement the sheriffs office would be called, according to Elks.

Her parents are also afraid Country Farms LLC, which owns Watkins Mobile Home Park, will increase their rent if they do not comply with the project, Elks said.

I dont believe anyone on our staff would have bullied the residents. I take exception, Barnette said.

Watkins Mobile Home Park has the lowest available rent in this part of the state, according to Crisp Sellers of Country Farms.

We have never threatened our tenants. Raising rent has never been part of our communication with them, Sellers said.

Dixon questioned if the primary goal of the Division of Water Infrastructure project is to improve the quality of life. This terminology was used when the project was first pitched to the town in 2013, and several town officials believed the project would improve the lives of the residents.

The goal is to eliminate health risks at the park and downstream, Barnette said.

It is projected tenants utility bills will increase by approximately $60 to $70 a month once sewer service is added. The residents of Watkins now receive water service from the town.

Dixon requested assurance that if the residents can no longer afford to pay their utility bill, move out of Watkins and then contact the Division of Water Infrastructure or state governor claiming they were bullied, threatened by the sheriff or that their rent was raised, the town would not be found liable.

It will be known the town went well beyond to look out for the towns citizens and residents of Watkins Mobile Home Park? That we fulfilled every ethical obligation? Dixon asked. I still dont understand, but I am trying to shape this in a way to support it ethically and morally.

McDavid engineers assurances must have satisfied Dixon, who in 2013 voted against applying for the grant funds, but supported the low-bid Tuesday.

The town now has until June 30, 2018, to complete construction of a sewer pump station and sewer lines in the park and installation of sewer lines along U.S. 258 to Watkins.

Walters motion also included a contingency that Country Farms maintain affordable rent within the park for at least one year upon closeout of the construction project. The motion also accepted Country Farms proposal, as previously requested by Moore and Dixon, that the property continue to operate as a mobile home park for at least 10 years as of Tuesday.

Country Farms has established a $20,000 grounds maintenance security escrow for the town to access should it fail to meet the towns required community standards agreement that was entered into in 2014.

They have also agreed to install a border buffer and re-grade the park to improve drainage issues. They have a grounds maintenance agreement in place with a lawn care service and are in the process of hiring an on-site manager.

At the start of this project, Country Farms contributed $25,000 to complete all initial work in support of applying for the grant.

The Enterprise serves western Pitt County including the towns of Falkland, Farmville and Fountain.

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Controversial sewer project finally gets OK - Greenville Daily Reflector

Due to an action by the North Branch City council Aug. 22, some residents in town could now have up to 15 years to hook up to city sewer.By a 3-1 vote (Mayor Kirsten Hagen-Kennedy was absent for the meeting), the council approved the repeal and replacement of an ordinance regarding connection to municipal utilities for homes within the citys newly updated urban service area.This matter had been tabled from the previous council meeting, as three of the bodys members Kelly Neider, Robert Canada and Jim Swenson wanted more time to research the issue prior to voting on it.North Branch City Administrator Renae Fry thoroughly explained what the repeal and replacement of the ordinance means for the people of North Branch.She repeatedly stressed it is not in the citys plans to build out utility lines in already existing neighborhoods.This is not a case where individual properties that exist today that might possibly be near a force main or other major infrastructure are being required to hook up, she said. Were really talking about the expansion of sewer into new areas or the redevelopment of existing neighborhoods.She said an aspect of the ordinance update that staff struggled with is what it means to have utility lines available to hook up to city sewer.Running a force main down a street is not a structure that an individual resident can hook up to. Staff wanted to be certain that this hookup concern is only triggered when those lateral lines are installed in connection with a particular project to which an individual property could actually hook up to, she said. So in the case of an apartment building, if were taking a force main with a lateral directly to that site where theres no means for any of the area properties nearby to hook into, that sewer is not available for those residents to hook up to, and therefore the requirements are not triggered.The main language change that occurred with the ordinance dealt with the timeframe in which people had to hook up to city services, if they were deemed available in their area and their dwelling had its own well and septic.Under the previous ordinance, a homeowner who lived close enough to existing utilities could have had a very short timeframe to connect.(The homeowner) shall be required at the owner(s) expense to install suitable connection to the public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this division, within 90 days of the date the public sewer is operational, provided access to the public sewer is within 100 feet of the structure generating the wastewater, if required to preserve health, safety and welfare of the occupants or environment, the previous ordinance read. If no threat to health, safety or welfare exists, and the existing septic system is in full compliance with city, county and state code, then the property owner will not be required to connect to the municipal sanitary sewer system.Fry noted there wasnt a standard to determine if a septic system was operating correctly under the former ordinance, so as part of the new ordinance, residents who live in a home that could be hooked up are required to have their septic systems inspected every three years to obtain a certificate of compliance to prove theyre in working order.If a septic system is in working order, a homeowner could get five certificates of compliance, meaning theyd have up to 15 years to connect to city services.The cost of those obtaining those certificates could range from $250 to $335, Fry noted. She also explained that an inspection cannot be done unless a septic system is pumped. Building official Rich Meyer said after two industry professionals have done soil borings to determine the quality of the soil in a given area, future inspections would cost less, because that aspect of them would no longer be required.Having the 15 years provides you the most options of any policy Ive ever seen, City Engineer Lee Gustafson said. The 90 days is pretty common. If you get to other cities, you have two years to hook up, period, and thats it. To have this type of flexibility for the residents of North Branch, frankly, is almost unheard of. I think youre providing a very good situation for each and every property owner to make individual decisions as to whether they want to hook up or not.Due to water services being controlled by North Branch Water and Light, which is a separate entity from the city, a connection to that utility would differ from sewer.The ordinance was written to cover sewer and water to the extent that water is also available for a particular development, Fry wrote in an email. As separate entities, however, we do not govern Water and Lights practices and it would be up to Water and Light to indicate what evidence they would consider appropriate to demonstrate that the existing well was not contaminated. Our ordinance does indicate that the city would allow a property owner to continue to use their well once hooked up to municipal water, but only for non-potable purposes, such as watering their lawn.

Council, resident commentsFour residents spoke at the meeting; all were concerned about the ordinance update.Ive been very upset about what youve been pulling the last couple of months, Nancy Zacherson said to the council. You make decisions for all the people in North Branch, not just 50 percent of the population.Resident Don Swanson had a few questions for the council.When is the proposed date that sewer and water is going to come down 400th Street? he asked. We dont know if its 10 years or 20 years.Council member Robert Canada, who voted against the ordinance update, has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the change and said he wanted more opinions on it.I would defer this to the new planning commission, he said. I have yet to see input on the positive nature come to us or staff.Council member Jim Swenson said the council is updating an ordinance that has been on the books since 1996 and needed to be changed to reflect the citys current situation.It is not the intent of staff or council to prohibit people from having their own wells and septic systems, he said. We just need to upgrade and change our ordinances because some of these ordinances have been on the books for many, many years and we need to bring things up so when we do get developers and other people coming into the community they know this is what we have.

Read more from the original source:
NB council updates ordinance on sewer connections - ECM Post Review

For half a million people in the border regions of Texas, getting basic infrastructure -- the kind that most Americans take for granted -- has taken decades. These residents have to cope with problems like streets overflowing with sewage from sand-filled septic tanks, high levels of toxic arsenic in their drinking water or roads that flood during the summer monsoons.

But fixing those problems could get even tougher next month thanks to Texas' budget cuts, advocates there say.

The predominantly poor residents of colonias -- makeshift subdivisions often far outside city limits -- have bought land or cheap houses from unscrupulous developers who promised to eventually install electricity, running water and paved roads. The developers often failed to deliver.

Texas cracked down on the worst offenders in the 1990s, but change has been slow. Many of these communities still lack even the most basic infrastructure systems.

The neighborhoods are often so remote that connecting them to city sewer lines or drinking water is prohibitively expensive, at least for the local governments that would normally foot the bill. Putting in a sewer system to serve 5,000 people in an El Paso-area colonia, for example, is expected to cost as much as $40 million. The haphazard development in colonias makes upgrades difficult, too, because its hard to install sidewalks and sewer pipes where roads are steep, rights-of-way arent clear and houses are unevenly spread out. Sometimes the houses are even in floodplains.

Still, government officials have stepped in to address some of the problems. Local, state and federal officials developed programs to install water systems, deliver health services and build roads in colonias. In 1999, Gov. George W. Bush signed a law that created a state ombudsman program to help colonia residents figure out the myriad programs available to help them.

The ombudsmen's program was also responsible for tracking the state's progress in improving conditions incoloniasand reporting those results to the legislature. In its last report, the office reported that the number of people living incoloniaswith the worst conditions dropped from 44,526 in 353 neighborhoods in 2010 to 37,862 people in 337coloniasin 2014.

But Gov. Greg Abbott this summer effectivelyterminatedBush's program. The secretary of state, who administers the program, had asked to maintain funding for it at $860,000 for the next two years. But Abbott vetoed that spending from the state budget. The move came as a surprise to many officials who represent border areas with colonias, because there had been almost no talk in recent years of cutting the program.

But the governors office calls eliminating the ombudsmen's program a matter of fiscal responsibility.

No services to the colonias have been interrupted as a result of eliminating this redundant program, says Abbott spokesman John Wittman. The governor believes that funding to the colonias should go directly to the colonias instead of using tax dollars to fund a bigger government bureaucracy. With the governors action, Texas is shrinking government without interrupting services to the colonias.

But Rep. Mary Gonzlez, whose El Paso-area district includes more than 260 colonias, says the veto will have consequences for peoples health and safety. It either shows the governor doesnt understand the needs of the colonia residents or that hes allowing politics to supersede policy, she says. The decision will have few political consequences for Abbott, she adds: Most of the people affected -- poor, Hispanic and likely Democratic -- are already upset with Abbott for signing a law earlier this year targeting sanctuary cities and cracking down on unauthorized immigrants.

Gonzlez says the state coordinators help colonia residents navigate the complex and often confusing array of services avaiable to them. ButWittman, the governors spokesman, says the ombudsman program actually adds another level of bureaucratic red tape. When the program is eliminated next month, he says, coordination will happen directly between the state agencies providing services and the colonias.

Sam Taylor, a spokesman for Secretary of State Rolando Pablos, also emphasizes that the changes would be primarily administrative. (In Texas, the governor appoints the secretary of state.)

State agencies coordination of colonias projects has evolved significantly since the programs inception, he says. We expect there to be no diminishment of tangible benefits to colonias residents, as infrastructure, agriculture, water, housing and public health programs dedicated to colonias projects continue to be funded in the current budget.

Without state-level coordination among agencies, though, some local officials are worried that the responsibilities will fall to them.

For the county, the loss of the ombudsmen office is a big loss for us, says El Paso County Commissioner Vincent Perez. In the time Ive been in office, the ombudsmens office has been the one Ive been dealing with the most when it comes to dealing with infrastructure in the colonias.

Other state agencies havent come forward to tell local communities that they might be eligible for colonia-related programs, and they havent coordinated among government agencies, Perez says.

Meanwhile, the options for counties to step in are limited. Counties are already financially strapped, because the state limits the taxes they can impose, which makes it more difficult for them to pay for services in place of the state coordinators. Texas law also prevents counties from imposing zoning requirements on developments that couldve prevented many of the ongoing problems with colonias, Perez says.

Our county was created in 1850, and honestly, it hasnt changed much since then. Were using 19th-century tools to deal with 21st-century problems, he says. Texas values very limited government, and county governments certainly reflect that.

Perez says pressure to address the infrastructure problems in colonias will continue to build, especially in the El Paso area, where the sprawling city is encroaching on once-isolated neighborhoods. That will actually make it easier to solve some problems, like extending sewer lines. But it also means that other issues, such as flooding caused by inadeqaute infrastructure, will start to impact more and more people.

And its not feasible for many families currently living in colonias to move out, he adds, because affordable housing is hard to find for poor residents.

Youre talking about a family thats lived there for three decades that now owns their property free and clear. To them, its a source of pride, Perez says. Theres a lot of people out there who think [colonia residents] should move somewhere else or be relocated. Its not that simple. Thats why its important to have folks with a lot of expertise in the area of colonias. The office of the ombudsman very often provided that.

See more here:
On the Texas Border, Building Infrastructure Is Hard. Critics Say It's About to Get Harder. - Governing