By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews
CROMWELL — Several updates on current projects were given at the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District’s regular meeting Monday night, Oct. 17.
The paving for Eastshore Drive was scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17, but has been pushed back due to weather. Northshore Drive is set to be paved Thursday and Friday, Oct. 27-28, weather permitting.
A letter was reviewed that was mailed in April to all customers about the Northshore/Eastshore sewer expansion project in Syracuse. The letter, dated April 29, said the sewer expansion project would be finished by the end of 2022 or early 2023. The letter also outlined the next steps toward getting properties connected to the district’s sewer system.
“We have given homeowners almost 10 to 11 months’ notice,” said TCRSD Superintendent Tim Woodward. “Once the project is completed, property owners will need to abandon septic tanks and install a lateral connection to the system’s main line.
The April letter stated, “The district has observed a significant disruption in the supply chain for materials and the labor market for these services, due to the events of the past few years.”
He noted that a list of contractors was sent to homeowners on Northshore and Eastshore drives. “It may be advisable to begin researching and securing a contractor in advance to avoid a potential delay,” said Woodward.
Woodward gave his superintendent’s report. He gave an update on the wastewater treatment plant. “We are now operating with two clarifiers as we get ready for winter operation,” Woodward said. “All the liquid sludge has been hauled out.” He said 265,000 gallons were taken out.
Woodward noted that he adjusted the ferric chloride down to 20 gallons per day from 30. This is the result of decreased flow and sludge being hauled out.
As far as the collection system, repairs were concluded on the vactor truck.
“We cleaned the sewer line under the tracks, and it appears to be flowing without any problem. We made a sewer repair on Camelot Lane to clear roots out of a tap,” said Woodward, who showed the board a photo.
Woodward said he is reviewing the video of the Buttermilk private sewer on Hatchery Road and will have a report for the sewer committee.
Woodward reported the water system was flushed Tuesday, Oct. 4, the last flushing until spring. He also said the valve requested by contractor HLS was installed Tuesday, Oct. 11, and that Ortman serviced and tested both wells. He distributed Ortman’s report to the board.
“We painted all the hydrants and ballasts,” said Woodward, who showed a photo to the board.
An air pressure release valve was installed at the water plant, as required by the Department of Homeland Security. “All the hydrants were painted and flushed for the last time,” said Woodward.
The board discussed a policy about port-a-potties, and some changes were made and will be approved at the next meeting.
A progress report was given by John Magsam of Jones and Henry on items being repaired that are currently being worked on in the district.
A letter from Gary Furniss, addressed to the board, praised Woodward for his help in installing a private sewer. “I wanted to let you know that you have an outstanding employee who went far and above the call of duty and is a true professional in his field,” Furniss wrote.
The trustees present were Robert Dumford, Jim Boone, Don Dewitt and Jeff Herdick.
The board’s Christmas party will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at The Owl’s Nest, North Webster.
The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the TCRSD office, 4852 N. CR 1200W, Cromwell.