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Study finds Lovers Lane sewer extension impractical now; pump station and steep costs likely required
Summary
An initial engineering review found gravity sewer extension to Lovers Lane would reach only a minority of properties unless deep trenches or a costly pump station were constructed. County staff will complete the study and hold it as planning guidance until further development alters the cost‑benefit math.
County utilities and planning staff gave an update on feasibility work to extend sanitary sewer to Lovers Lane in the Windsor area. The preliminary engineering review found gravity extension would either require very deep trenches (15–40 feet) or a pump station sited near Hazelwood Drive; either approach would be expensive and disruptive.
Why it matters: Many property owners on Lovers Lane have failed septic systems or expressed interest in sewer. Extending sanitary sewer could resolve public‑health and reliability issues, but the cost per house for a small number of connections is very high. The county’s consultant will finish spot elevations and a final study that staff will use for future planning.
Findings from preliminary work
Staff described topography that drops from roughly elevation 74 to mid‑30s in the stream valley, making gravity flow across the full neighborhood impractical without extremely deep trenches or long force mains. A pump station at Hazelwood Drive or a direct tie to the HRC force main in Route 460 were mentioned as alternatives that increase cost. Utilities staff cautioned about narrow right‑of‑way, wet soils, required repaving of roadways after construction and ongoing maintenance risk for deep buried pipes.
Next steps and recommendations
Staff said the consultant will finalize elevation spot checks and a written report in a few weeks. The county will hold the study as a planning tool and revisit the question if substantial new development occurs in the Shiloh/Lovers Lane area that would allow costs to be spread across more connections.
Ending
County staff will forward the final study to the town as requested and use the analysis to inform future extension planning if development changes the cost‑share dynamics.
