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Sebago board authorizes CEO to investigate failing septic system and get design options
Summary
After lengthy discussion about a decades‑old septic/drainage field on easement land, the board authorized the CEO to investigate options, commission a septic designer/soil scientist, and return with costed alternatives, including relocating a modern chamber system to town property.
The Sebago Select Board on June 16 authorized the town’s CEO to investigate and scope solutions for a failing septic/drainage field that serves town buildings but sits on private easement land.
Board members recounted that the system dates to about 1957 and expressed concerns about liability, inadequate capacity for current use, and the cost and complexity of work that would require crossing a state road. Several members urged moving toward modern chamber systems (or Eljen‑style drains) located on town‑owned property (such as the municipal parking lot) rather than continually relying on an easement on a residential parcel.
A motion to allow the CEO to solicit design work and hire whatever specialist is needed — including a soil scientist and septic designer to evaluate both the existing system and an on‑site replacement — was made and seconded. The board voted in favor of the motion; the transcript does not provide a roll‑call vote tally.
Members emphasized the need for cost estimates and options, saying the CEO should return with multiple alternatives (stone field vs. chamber systems), projected costs and any easement or permitting constraints that might require new legal agreements. One member warned that paving the town lot before resolving the drainage would be premature if the town planned to install a chamber system beneath the pavement.
What happens next: the CEO will commission design and scoping work, report comparative options and costs back to the board, and identify any easement or state‑road permitting issues required for relocation of the system.
