Tiverton contracts firm to study effects of failing septic systems

Nearly three weeks ago, the Tiverton Town Council approved a $58,500 contract with environmental firm AECOM to study the effects of failing septic systems and assess the feasibility of installing sewer systems in northern parts of the town near the state line.

Members of the council and the towns Wastewater Management Commission agreed the study is one step toward complying with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management regulations and satisfying the requirements of the states Cesspool Act of 2007.

The act required that homeowners and business owners replace failed septic systems with newer septic systems or tie into a sewer system. The act also states that septic systems cant be closer than 200 feet from the shore or other bodies of water used for drinking water or recreation.

At the councils Sept. 10 meeting, Wastewater Management Commission Chairman Leroy Kendricks presented a map of the town highlighting the areas near the state line where septic systems are failing and where hazardous soil had been found, according to a DEM inspection program. They include properties on Bay Street, Cooper Street and Judson Street, as well as Old Colony Terrace.

Kendricks said the program revealed quite a few failures in those areas, calling it a serious problem. The DEM has put the town on notice regarding these systems.

He cited the closure of Fogland Beach early last summer as another reason Tiverton needs to study its wastewater management.

When the beach is closed down because of bacteria counts, its on the entire town, Kendricks said. Is it runoff, is it from septic system?

We know for a fact that the septic system problem may not be the entire problem, but it is certainly a significant contributor to the problem, Kendricks said, adding that stormwater drainage may also need to be looked at. I think the responsible thing to do is to take this thing seriously and get ahead of it.

Its also in the interest of the town to come up with a comprehensive solution, Kendricks added.

In an interview with The Herald News, Kendricks said the study would look at where to recommend sewer installation. The facilities plan would also assess how to finance the system determining betterment fees for residents and businesses, and looking for loans and grants to cover installation costs.

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Tiverton contracts firm to study effects of failing septic systems