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Resident reports repeated raw‑sewage backups on Jefferson Street; council directs engineering follow‑up
Summary
A Jefferson Street homeowner described recurring raw‑sewage backups since 2023 and urged a permanent solution. Council told staff to pursue engineering options, including installing a grinder pump or replacing the line with larger pipe, and to coordinate property owner agreements where needed.
A resident described an ongoing raw‑sewage problem on Jefferson Street that began in 2023 and has resulted in repeated yard excavation and driveway damage.
“Throughout the time that we've been having these problems of raw sewage...the unsanitary and inhumane conditions that have been present for far too many times is once too many times,” the resident said, recounting repeated clean‑ups and partial repairs.
Staff reviewed technical options discussed onsite: replacing the section from the cleanout to the road with a larger (8‑inch) service line, installing a grinder pump at the cleanout to macerate wastes and pump to the nearby sewer main, or re‑plumbing upstream connections to route flow into a higher‑capacity main. Staff said materials for a larger line were on hand in town stock and that a grinder pump could be ordered and installed weather permitting within about two weeks.
Councilors and staff agreed the issue required an engineering evaluation and that staff should pursue whichever mitigation steps are necessary to achieve a permanent fix, including budget amendments if material funding is required. Staff also noted the need to obtain written access agreements from upstream property owners if re‑plumbing is part of the solution.
Next steps: staff to convene an on‑site meeting with the resident, obtain an engineering assessment, and return with recommended corrective work, cost estimates and any required easements or property agreements.
