ELIZABETHTOWN — About 30 citizens turned out for an informational meeting to address concerns about a proposed wastewater-treatment system here.

Engineers, town officials and a Department of Environmental Conservation spokesperson gave a presentation and answered questions about the proposed system, which, they say, would spur economic development.

The proposed project includes construction of a public sewer system for the hamlet of Elizabethtown leading to a wastewater-treatment plant at the terminus of Woodruff Lane.

The system will, for the most part, be gravity fed, though five pump stations will be required. The treatment plant would employ modern-sequencing batch-reactor technology with filtration to fulfill state DEC permit requirements.

"The design will mitigate concerns that residents may have concerning noise, odors and the aesthetics of the plant's exterior," according to a Town of Elizabethtown news release.

OUTDATED SYSTEMS
Wastewater is currently contained by individual systems, and some residents say that because many home septic systems are old, the new regulations might make it difficult and expensive to replace them.

This is particularly a concern for residents on Water Street, which is close to the river and has homes on small lots. In addition, the hospital, nursing home, county office complex and school currently have to be pumped on a regular basis.

COSTS
The anticipated cost of the system is $9,550,000, with $4,147,000 coming from a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, $1 million from a state grant, $4,303,000 in an interest-free loan from the Environmental Facilities Corp. and $1 million with a USDA loan at 2.625-percent interest.

The cost to users would be $362 per year for a typical one-family home.

Industrial users would be assessed at a higher rate, with a projected 30 percent coming from government entities. Members of the public suggested that taxpayers would likely be picking up the cost and were told it was similar to current maintenance costs.

Another concern was the cost of hooking the system to customers. Town Supervisor Noel Merrihew said the idea is for the funding to pay for this expense. He said each property would have a check valve to avoid waste flowing back through the pipes.

Maintenance would be through a licensed operator who would be on call in case of a malfunction. An assistant would also be available.

"The board is very supportive of the project," Merrihew said, "and we're looking at future growth."

ASSESSMENTS
Judy Shepard, who owns an apartment house on Water Street, was concerned about being assessed $362 for each unit.

Merrihew informed her that in cases such as hers, a special formula would be employed.

Undeveloped lots will be assessed, just as is being done with the water system.

ODORS
Several residents brought up the potential for odors being emitted from the treatment plant.

"We realize that plants do have odor," said Jack Dodson of Dodson and Associates consulting engineers. "We're going 99 percent (odor-free) here."

Odor could escape when the door is opened, but that is minimal, he said.

Medical waste was another concern raised by residents. They were assured that the hospital and other facilities do not flush chemicals and biohazards down the toilets.

BORDERS
Margaret Bartley wanted to know how the sewer district's border was determined.

Merrihew said it was a collaborative effort. Some areas, such as Maple Street, were eliminated due to the need to pump uphill.

An effort was also made to keep costs minimal, so properties that were spread out from the hamlet, such as Merrihew's home, were not included.

NURSING HOME
There has been concern that if a new County Nursing Home has to be constructed, a sewage system will have to be in place. Merrihew said that if a new Nursing Home is built, it must be placed in a municipality that has a wastewater system.

"That's 150 to 175 jobs. It's important that we try to secure them for our future."

Angel Marvin, who has had experience in community financing, supports doing the project.

"I have a feeling that in two or three years we may not be able to get the money."

HEARING, VOTE
The vote on the sewer system, originally scheduled for October, has been delayed due to errors in boundary descriptions.

A public hearing is scheduled for the Nov. 17 Town Council meeting, which will be followed by an adoption order and resolution to vote.

The public referendum will take place in January.

E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com