Council approves concept to allow pressurized grinder-pump sewer for Bridal Path development

The Wellsville City Council on Feb. 19, 2025, approved in concept the use of an All Terrain (E/1) pressurized grinder-pump collection system as an alternative wastewater approach for the proposed Bridal Path development. The council’s approval covered the concept only; detailed design, engineering specifications and state permitting would be required before final approval of any subdivision.

City staff and presenters described the system during a demonstration video and staff remarks. The E/1 system places a grinder pump appliance at each property to accept gravity-fed wastewater, grind and pressurize it, and convey a wastewater slurry through a sealed small-diameter pressurized network that can run across difficult terrain, uphill and over long distances. Presenters noted the system has been used internationally and can move flows horizontally over two miles or uphill 185 feet but emphasized the city had not reviewed final designs.

Chris (city staff/engineer) told the council he was familiar with the E/1 system. Council members asked about operations and maintenance needs, monitoring and the risk of freezing or leaks on a pressurized system; staff said the lines operate at low pressure (reported around 20 psi in examples) and monitoring would likely require pressure-measurement points. Council members also discussed long-term ownership and maintenance: the pressurized segment could be assigned to a homeowners association, but ultimate responsibility for sewer performance and pond capacity would remain with the city in the same way as other sewer systems.

Council members highlighted that the proposed system was intended to serve no more than 29 homes and that a larger septic/leach-field arrangement would be located across Highway 89 in the concept; staff noted the council was not approving a subdivision layout or final design, only whether the city would consider the E/1 alternative for a future subdivision. A motion to approve the alternative wastewater system concept in certain cases passed by voice vote (makers/seconders not specified). Staff said final subdivision approval would require engineering specifications that meet city and state standards.