Board grants three-year sewer-connection extensions for two Hague properties after owners cite ledge and cost

The Town of Hague board voted to grant a three-year extension for two properties required to connect to the municipal sewer system, approving a compliance deadline of Dec. 31, 2027, or until the point of failure of the existing septic systems, whichever comes first.

Property owners Pamela Peterson and Matthew Riley (On the Rocks LLC) told the board their lots sit on solid ledge, described earlier engineering reports and recent pump-out inspections, and said mandatory connection would require blasting and a heated, generator-backed system that could cost tens of thousands of dollars. "The connection to the sewer is an extreme hardship," Pam Peterson said, describing an October inspection that she said documented the system's continued good operating condition.

Board members acknowledged the hardship but also repeatedly cited the Town of Hague Sewer Use Law and the board's objective to protect the lake. Town representatives said financial hardship alone is not grounds for an exemption under the law but that the committee and board could account for technical constraints.

After debate, the board amended the committee's recommendation to a three-year extension with an annual inspection requirement and a provision that further extensions be "strongly discouraged." The motion passed on a roll-call vote; the board read the results and declared the motion carried.

The decision does not change the town code requiring connection when feasible; the board directed that owners submit engineer reports and pump-out documentation as part of the annual inspection. Board members also accepted a suggestion from an owner that a site visit would help officials better understand the rock and grade at the properties.