Agenda - 03-26-2009 - 3b1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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S1 Sanitary Sewer Plan Most of the Rogers Road study area is served with water from OWASA. Water lines extend eastward from Rogers Road. OWASA sanitary sewer has been extended into the southwestern part of the study area. OWASA policy is that to work best sewers need to run downhill so that wastewater will flow using gravity rather than being pumped mechanically. Pumps are not desirable because they may fail during storms and they involve operating costs for electricity and maintenance. In March OWASA staff presented a conceptual layout of a sanitary sewer network that could provide service to existing lots within the Rogers Road study area. The conceptual layout identifies new lines that would need to be constructed and an existing line extended to provide a gravity sanitary sewer service to existing lots. Topography in the study area indicates that portions of the study area would best be served with gravity sewer falling in different directions from the study area. This includes extending the existing line from the south west, a new line to Eubanks Road in the north east and a new line to the west which could be provided in cooperation with the Town of Carrboro. Appendix 1 is maps showing a conceptual sewer network plan to serve most of the existing lots in the study area. There is one concept for the study area with two versions; Concept A serves the Neville Tract and the adjoining 24 acre Harris property via a new line to the north. Concept A has greater potential to facilitate subdivision of the Harris property. Construction is estimated to cost $ 2.9 million. Concept B serves the same properties via a new line to the west. Construction is estimated to cost $ 2.5 million. Neither Concept A or B serve properties off Sandberg Lane or 3 lots off Merin Road. Concept C shows how gravity sewer could be provided to those lots not served by A or B via a new line along Billabong Lane. Billabong Lane is beyond the study area. Construction of the lines in Concept C would add $1.3 million to the construction cost of Concepts A or B. Appendix 2 provides more detail from the OWASA on the conceptual sewer network plan and a breakdown of the cost to construct the lines. It also sets out indicative non - construction costs to hook up existing homes to the lines. The Task Force reviewed the OWASA water and sewer extension policies. In accordance with the OWASA policies, benefiting properties would bear the cost of extending water and sewer lines. The Task Force also reviewed the assessment process for neighborhoods pursuing water and sewer service. Members expressed great concern over the ability of existing homeowners to bear the cost of installing main lines, hooking up to services and paying utility bills, thereby decreasing the affordability of low -cost housing that currently exists in the study area. The Task Force believes that the development of housing on the Greene Tract ought not proceed without providing current residents of the neighborhood the opportunity to be served by sanitary sewer.