Here are our thoughts on the Pump Station Upgrade Referendum:
Why do we need this? How many of us actually think about where our wastewater travels when it leaves our homes and businesses? For sure if it didn’t flow properly, we would think about it! The equipment in South Windsor that performs this magical task has reached the end of its anticipated life. Obsolete equipment results in rising maintenance and repair costs, and difficulty obtaining replacement parts, no doubt affecting wastewater processing. No one wants to wait for it to fail BEFORE upgrading it!!!!
What is the Water Pollution Control Authority? The South Windsor Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) is a statutorily independent entity (does not report to the Town Council – reports directly to the State level) having complete jurisdiction over all elements of the sanitary sewer system within the Town including the approval of budgets, sewer use fees, and connections to the public sewer system.
Where are the Sewer Pump Stations and what do they actually do? The South Windsor WPCA is planning essential upgrades to its three largest sewer pump stations. You have probably seen them. They are located on Clark Street, Benedict Drive and Pleasant Valley Road. These 3 sites transport over 1.6 million gallons of wastewater per day from our homes and businesses to the Town’s treatment plant on Vibert Road. These sewer pump stations need improvements to increase safety, reduce flood risk and ensure 24/7 reliability.
Are there other funding resources available to help South Windsor with the cost? While the cost of the referendum is cited at $15,000,000 the South Windsor WPCA is seeking assistance from the Clean Water Fund, which offers 2% interest over 20 years; 20% grants for resiliency upgrades (over $1.18 million eligible) and the project will be built into the WPCA’s 10 year capital improvement plan and will not impact property taxes.
Take a look at the wording for the Sewer Pump Station Upgrade Referendum here:
Or check out the South Windsor Water Pollution Control Authority here: