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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Memo 49-76TO: FROM: SUBJECT MEMORANDUM #49 Mr. B. Tink, Chairman of the Public Works Committee J. Dunham, Director of Public Works Sump Pump - Church Street, Orono DATE: June 24, 1976 The above-mentioned subject was referred to the Works Committee from the Finance Committee for a report. On June 22nd, 1976, accompanied by Mr. Charles Pearce, I inspected the said subject, which is located approximately midway between the school and Centre Street on Church Street, at the rear of Mr. Ostopowich's house, in a 12 -foot well. Apparently, when the storm sewer was installed on Church Street the drains from these basements which crossed the street were cut off and not permitted to connect to the storm sewer due to detergents, etc. 1t was at that time the Village installed the sump pump in an existing well which pumps into the storm sewer. Mr. Pearce also stated it was at that time laundry water, etc., was turned into the existing septic tanks. During the on-site inspection, my observation was that the houses in the immediate area have sump pumps which pump out towards the street and deposit water on the - surface of the ground. At this point, the water runs along the curb and into the existing catch basins. Elevation of the existing storm sewer is approximately four feet and is located on the opposite side of the street from the said well. With this elevation problem, there is no way that the existing basements or the well can flow by way of gravity into the storm sewer. Had provisions been made at the time the storm sewer was installed for sump pumps to pump into the storm sewer, I would fail to see why a well would have served any useful purpose. I would recommend that information and proof be obtained as to exactly when and who installed the sump pump in the well; also, who bore the cost. In addition to this, I also feel that legal advice should be obtained as to the Town's obligation prior to automatically assuming anything. The Town should have reservations in inheriting such "a gem". - 2 - As for a recommendation in relation to eliminating the sump pump, a further study will have to be conducted. In considering this, costs will be involved to prepare such a study. If such a study was carried out, I have some doubt as to what could be done to improve or change anything in any way.