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Hillsdale declares emergency to fix failing sewer leach fields; board approves grant pursuit
Summary
After a DEC inspection found failing leach fields, the Hillsdale Town Board declared an emergency to speed repairs and authorized the supervisor to pursue CREST grants; cost estimates range from about $478,000 to $685,000 depending on procurement approach.
Supervisor Mike Dvorchak announced that leach fields serving the Hillsdale sewer district are failing and that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is requiring remediation this year. Town Engineer George Schmitt presented two estimates: roughly $685,000 if the town uses prevailing-wage contractors (including contingencies, engineering and legal costs) and about $478,000 if the Highway Department performs work. After accounting for sewer fund balances and remaining Hinchey grant funds, Dvorchak said the town’s net need could fall to about $325,000.
"The DEC is insisting that the absorption field be remedied this year," Town Engineer George Schmitt said during the meeting, outlining the timeline and cost differences tied to prevailing-wage requirements. Supervisor Dvorchak said he had contacted potential grant partners and banks but that federal funding would not be available by September.
Citing the immediacy of the public-health and regulatory risk, the board adopted Resolution 77-2025, declaring remediation of the leach field an emergency to expedite procurement. Town Attorney Ken Dow advised the board that the circumstances qualified as a public emergency under applicable procurement rules. The resolution passed 4–0.
The board also approved that the supervisor seek two CREST grants to support sewer work: Resolution 78-2025 (Hinchey CREST) and Resolution 79-2025 (Barrett CREST), each adopted 4–0. Dvorchak said the town would pursue additional funding sources — including potential private or bank assistance — while balancing the option to use Highway Department labor to lower costs.
What happens next: With the emergency declaration in place, the town can proceed more quickly to hire contractors or assign town crews and continue grant applications. Any borrowing or interfund transfers would be subject to statutory limits and follow-up board approvals.
