Having now received Windham and Gorham’s approval, the Portland Water District can move ahead with plans to improve the South Windham’s sewer system that in turn could lead to more housing and improve the economy, government officials say.
The Portland Water District had previously received authorization from Gorham’s Town Council to solicit bids for the construction of the engineering design for the sewer system. The District received approval from Windham’s Town Council on Tuesday night and will now proceed with plans to improve the sewer system in portions of South Windham and Gorham.
“We are pleased with the decision by the Town Council. We look forward to working with the town on this project.” Michelle Clements, public relations manager for the District said on behalf of the company.
According to town officials, the Windham station is over capacity. Faulty installation allowed for a leak to develop failing to stop excess water from entering the system during rain storms, causing discharge into the Presumpscot River. The system in Gorham is battling similar issues. The Department of Environmental Protection would eventually be looking into the Windham station and it would have to be replaced according to Councilor Dave Tobin.
Within the plans for the system, Windham and Gorham would each contribute 50 percent of the engineering cost which is not to exceed $300,000. A new system would be installed that southern Windham, Gorham, and the Maine Correctional Center would be incorporated into.
There are many factors to fall into place here, but the benefits would be useful to both towns and taxpayers. With the construction of the Little Falls Wastewater Conveyance System, the dilapidated Keddy Mill would be torn down by developers looking to develop the property.
According to Tobin, the mill would have to be torn down eventually due to its deterioration and the trespassers the owners are having a difficult time keeping off the property. If the town were to have to tear down the mill it would cost them in excess of $1.4 million according to Tobin.
“The advantage of this is the developers come in and take the building down,” Council Chair Robert Muir said.
If the new sewer system isn’t installed, officials say, the land at the Keddy Mill cannot be developed because there is no sewer system available for new residents, especially with the capacity that would be needed.
The goal is for the system to be in place within five years, Muir and Tobin said. According to the agreement with the District, if the system is not in place within that period Windham and Gorham would have to reimburse the District the cost of engineering to that point. The money reimbursed would not exceed $150,000. Before construction can begin on the project both towns will have to give additional approval to move the project forward.
If all goes according to plan the system will be user-driven according to Muir. There would be no additional cost to taxpayers as the system would be paid for by those utilizing it.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
