Board OKs $61,500 emergency appropriation to repair erosion threatening Patriots Landing sewer easement

NEW KENT, Va. — The New Kent County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 8 to authorize a supplemental appropriation of up to $61,500 to repair erosion in a sanitary sewer easement at Patriots Landing Place.

County staff described the site as a steep, undermined slope where previous repairs in 2023 did not hold. The slope was measured at roughly a 2:1 grade in places; staff reported a sinkhole under landscaping and concentrated runoff that threatens the sewer line. The estimate from BTS Construction for the emergency repair is $61,500.

"The risk here for us is a sewage release to the lakes," a county staff member said, arguing that the potential environmental and public-health consequences outweigh the cost. The staff presentation noted that while developer liability is unclear, litigation to resolve responsibility could take time and the condition would likely worsen in the interim.

Supervisor Moyer moved to authorize the appropriation of up to $61,500 for emergency erosion repair in the sanitary sewer easement; the motion passed by recorded aye votes from all members present.

Board members who inspected the site described the crevice as "quite extensive" and supported a timely repair rather than prolonged liability disputes that could delay action. The county intends to use riprap and other stabilization measures; staff said they will follow up with BTS Construction to confirm materials and specifications.

The item was presented as emergency repair of infrastructure; the board did not direct litigation or further recovery efforts at the meeting.