Sewage will be collected and sent to Clark County for treatment, under an agreement between that county and Miami County.
Pat Turnbull, Miami County sanitary engineer, said around 110 businesses and residences in Brandt use septic systems, most constructed before modern rules for wastewater disposal. In most cases, replacing the old systems is not an option because lots are not large enough to accommodate modern on-site systems, he said.
The project, Turnbull said in a project memo, is to “abate a long standing environmental hazard, where inadequately treated wastewater has contaminated the local stream, an unnamed tributary to Mud Run, which in turn is tributary to the Mad River.”
The project has been split into two phases.
The first will be the construction of a line from the Clark County line to unincorporated Brandt. The project is to start late summer and continue until the end of this year or early 2011.
The second phase will be a gravity sewer and pump station for Brandt and surrounding areas, to be bid later this year and built in 2011. Tie-ins should take place during the end of 2011 and spring/summer 2012.
“It is nice to be able to do something about it,” Turnbull said.
Costs to property owners still are being calculated with the county waiting for word on a couple of “funding opportunities” that could help property owners. A grant is being sought to help those who meet low- to moderate- income guidelines pay the tap-in fee. A loan through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency would help lower assessment bills, if approved.
Public meetings have been held on the project as it has come together. Another meeting likely will be scheduled when construction is ready to begin, Turnbull said.
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