Shetek sewer finished and running
By Deb GauA $16.5 million project that will replace septic systems that drain into three area lakes or into the ground nearby is nearly completed, officials said Wednesday.
Two years after construction began on the centralized sewer project around Lake Shetek, all that remains are smaller issues like landscaping and odor control, said Chris Hansen, Murray County water resources director.
"Pretty much everything is installed," Hansen said. "It's going very well. With a system this size, there are going to be some minor issues to deal with."
The project was scheduled to be completed in June, Hansen said, but a wet spring delayed it.
The project built a sanitary sewer system including lift stations and retention ponds to serve properties around Lake Shetek and nearby areas like Bloody Lake and Lake Sarah.
The project had some opposition but now, many are happy it is almost completed, officials said.
Dean Salmon, chairman of the Shetek Area Water and Sewer Commission, estimated around 700 properties are hooked up to the sewer.
Before the project got under way, Salmon said, "We found lots of people wouldn't believe the numbers of systems that failed (to comply with standards)."
But on closer inspection, he said, "The percentage of sewer systems that drained right into the ground or into the lake were higher than projected," Salmon said.
Hansen said so far the only difficulties with the completed sewer have been small, like warranty work with pipes and grinder pumps.
"We have had some odor issues that we're trying to address at the lift stations," he said, but there has been little negative feedback.
"Overall, I think people are pleased with the project," Hansen said.
Salmon said there were some frustrating times during planning and construction of the sewer, but it was good to see the result.
"I'm so happy we've got it all around the lake," he said.
Property owners in the area had expressed concerns about initial assessments, fees and other aspects of the project.
Salmon said he could understand their concerns - he had just put in a septic system on his own property three years before the sewer construction. However, no project was going to have 100 percent satisfaction, he said.
"Generally speaking, I think everyone is pretty satisfied," Salmon said.
The commission hadn't heard many negative comments, he said, and there are a lot of positives to having a central sewer. One effect the project has had on the area around Lake Shetek is an increase in construction. Having a sewer meant homeowners could build additions or do remodeling projects that were impossible with their old septic systems and drainage fields.
The central sewer is also good for water quality because septic systems that drained into the ground or the lakes have been replaced, Salmon said.
User fees for the sewer are close to original estimates of $35 per month, Hansen said. Residents pay a basic rate of $20 a month, with an additional $6.25 per thousand gallons of flow.
Final assessment hearings are coming up this fall for a couple of remaining appeals, Salmon said. The water and sewer commission will be meeting next week to learn more.
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whyisthis
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07-18-08 12:13 AM
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My point was why does the county feel that they do not think they have to be included in the sewer system.
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longjammer
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07-17-08 10:57 AM
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My congratulations to the Shetek Area Water and Sewer Commission for completing this project! It is forward-looking and environmentally conscious. I’m glad this project was “shoved down my throat”. Darwin Patzlaff Pleasant View Road
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whyisthis
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07-17-08 3:27 AM
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Why would the only place on the lake not being hooked up to the sewer system be the Murray County Park next to the Shetek monument? The county shoved this down every ones throats and county property is now exempt?
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