Sewage treatment costs worry residents

Region of Queens Engineering and Works Director, Brad Rowter said a study was originally done in the 1980s but the cost was unacceptable at the time and has done nothing but go up over the years.

Earlier this year, the Region of Queens Municipality approached CBCL Limited Consultant Engineers to find an in-expensive system with minimal operating costs.

The company is recommending a small diameter collection system with sewage pump-mounted septic tanks at each property.

There are currently 36 properties in Port Medway included in the proposal.

The cost will surpass $1-million because the Region of Queens will also need to purchase land, added Rowter.

A public meeting, chaired by Mayor John Leefe, was held at the Port Medway Fire Hall on June 19. About 100 residents attended.

A consultant engineer from CBCL presented the study’s findings and talked about the recommended system.

Mayor Leefe said many came to find out if their homes were included in the plan or not.

He added much of the discussion focused on how the system would be financed; however, the public meeting was held to listen to comments and suggestions and to inform residents about the study process.

Another question raised by some residents was: if they have a system that is working, why should they have to pay for a new system just to relieve the burden of those with non-working systems?

Mayor Leefe said councillors would review the information they gained from the public meeting and make a decision.

Overall, the Mayor said he was pleased with the turn-out. “They gave us a lot to chew on.”

He added that they would hold a second public meeting sometime in the fall to focus more on the 36 properties involved.